den Hartog Emma, Tissing Wim J E, Bon Sebastian B B, van der Torre Patrick, Verwaaijen Emma J
Department of Suportive Care, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, Utrecht, 3584CS, The Netherlands, 31 0889727272.
Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
JMIR Pediatr Parent. 2025 Aug 27;8:e75322. doi: 10.2196/75322.
Children with cancer are at risk of reduced physical activity. Gaining insight into physical activity using smartwatches could improve understanding of individual potential during treatment, support early recognition of aberrant physical activity, and enable tailored support.
This study aimed to explore the feasibility, barriers, facilitators, and considerations of long-term physical activity tracking using a smartwatch during childhood cancer treatment.
In this prospective study, 30 children (age 8-18 years) under active cancer treatment were included in 2 phases. During phase 1, 15 children wore a smartwatch daily for 12 consecutive weeks, and in-depth interviews were conducted to identify principal considerations used to optimize wearability and the methods for phase 2. In phase 2, another 15 children wore the smartwatch, and semistructured interviews were conducted at weeks 1, 3, 6, and 12. These interviews were thematically analyzed to identify barriers and facilitators. An iterative process of alternating data collection and analysis allowed for ongoing method refinement and deepening thematic analysis during the study period.
Key considerations for improvement identified in phase 1 led to refinements in phase 2, including enhanced engagement, regular prompts, customized plans, personalized setup, and improved aesthetics and comfort. The interviews conducted during phase 2 identified barriers and facilitators. The 4 most prominent themes were burden and resilience, motivational drivers and perception, insight and evaluation, and user experience and functionality. Feasibility was influenced by the child's physical state and perceived burden. Motivation, perceived value, and expectations played crucial roles in sustaining adherence, while also the balance between positive reinforcement and potential confrontation affected long-term use. User experience, including attractiveness, comfort, and usability, impacted acceptance.
Real-time and long-term physical activity tracking using a smartwatch in children during cancer treatment was not feasible in our cohort. A personalized approach, incorporating individual preferences and physical condition, is essential to support adherence.
癌症患儿存在身体活动减少的风险。利用智能手表深入了解身体活动情况，有助于增进对治疗期间个体潜能的认识，支持早期识别异常身体活动，并提供个性化支持。
本研究旨在探讨在儿童癌症治疗期间使用智能手表进行长期身体活动追踪的可行性、障碍、促进因素及注意事项。
在这项前瞻性研究中，30名正在接受积极癌症治疗的儿童（年龄8 - 18岁）分两个阶段参与。在第一阶段，15名儿童连续12周每天佩戴智能手表，并进行深入访谈，以确定优化佩戴体验的主要考量因素及第二阶段的方法。在第二阶段，另外15名儿童佩戴智能手表，并在第1、3、6和12周进行半结构化访谈。对这些访谈进行主题分析以确定障碍和促进因素。在研究期间，交替进行数据收集和分析的迭代过程有助于持续改进方法并深化主题分析。
第一阶段确定的改进关键考量因素在第二阶段带来了改进，包括增强参与度、定期提示、定制计划、个性化设置以及改善美观度和舒适度。第二阶段进行的访谈确定了障碍和促进因素。最突出的4个主题是负担与恢复力、动机驱动因素与认知、洞察与评估以及用户体验与功能。可行性受儿童身体状况和感知负担的影响。动机、感知价值和期望在维持依从性方面发挥着关键作用，同时积极强化与潜在对抗之间的平衡也影响长期使用。用户体验，包括吸引力、舒适度和可用性，影响接受度。
在我们的队列中，癌症治疗期间儿童使用智能手表进行实时和长期身体活动追踪不可行。采用个性化方法，结合个人偏好和身体状况，对于支持依从性至关重要。
