Wearable-Technology-Assisted Interventions for Breast-Cancer Survivors: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

Abstract

Objectives: This review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression aimed to (1) evaluate the effect of wearable-technology-assisted interventions on the physical activity and weight of breast cancer survivors, (2) identify the essential features of wearable-technology-assisted interventions, and (3) explore the covariates of the treatment effect.

Data sources: Randomized controlled trials were obtained from 10 databases and trial registries from inception until December 21, 2021. Trials that examined the effects of wearable-technology-assisted interventions for individuals with breast cancer were included. The mean and standard deviation scores were used to compute the effect sizes.

Conclusion: The meta-analyses revealed significantly improved in moderate-to-vigorous activity, total physical activity, and weight control. The findings from this review suggest that wearable-technology-assisted interventions may be a potential solution to improve physical activity and weight in breast cancer survivors. Future studies should include high-quality trials with large sample sizes.

Implications for nursing practice: Wearable technology has promising effects on physical activity and could be incorporated into routine care for breast cancer survivors.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Meta-analysis; Meta-regression; Physical activity; Wearable; Weight.