Towards Accurate Assessment of Physical Activity and Sleep in Cancer Survivors: A Validation Study [Seed Funding]
During cancer survivorship, sleep disturbances are one of the most frequently reported complaints that negatively impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Physical activity is one of the few changeable determinants that may improve cancer-related symptoms, including sleep disturbances.
Although insight into the relationship between sleep and physical activity is increasing, accurately measuring these concepts remains challenging. Physical activity and sleep can objectively be measured using wearables, such as accelerometers or Fitbits. These wearables have different (dis)advantages that need to be considered. The newer models of Fitbits, such as the Fitbit Inspire Heart Rate (HR), are relatively cheap, yet promising for their possibility for self-monitoring and the inclusion of a heart rate sensor.
We aim to validate the wrist-worn Fitbit Inspire HR against the wrist-worn research-grade Actigraph wGT3X in a population of breast cancer survivors to measure physical activity and sleep. Participants in the ongoing OPTIMUM-study are invited to participate in our project. The OPTIMUM-study is a prospective cohort study of breast cancer survivors aiming to gain insight into the optimal timing and method for promoting sustained adherence to lifestyle and body weight recommendations in breast cancer survivors.
Overall, using wearables such as the Fitbit may be a promising personalised approach to promote physical activity in cancer survivors, which may improve sleep problems, decrease fatigue, and improve survival.
Team composition
- Dr. Meeke Hoedjes (MCP)
- Dr. Joran Jongerling (MTO)
- Nicole Ezendam (MCP)
- Dr. Sandra Beijer
- Sandra van Cappellen-van Maldegem (MCP)
- Dr. Dounya Schoormans (MCP)
- Dr. Cynthia Bonhof (MCP)
Cross-cutting themes
The Herbert Simon Research Institute for Health, Well-being, and Adaptiveness is a research center devoted to carrying out excellent, state of the art research in order to contribute to healthy and resilient people. We have selected three themes, which involve the collaboration between various Departments and address actual themes in need of both fundamental and applied research.