An mHealth intervention based on behavior change techniques to promote physical activity and nutrition in older patients with cancer: protocol for an N-of-1 trial

@misc{brusseau2026mhealth,
  title = {{An mHealth intervention based on behavior change techniques to promote physical activity and nutrition in older patients with cancer: protocol for an N-of-1 trial}},
  author = {M. Brusseau and J. Deffrennes and B. Gallet-Suchet and L. Cristol and G. Dray and S. Gendrault and L. Harguem and R. Dadier and J. Boiche},
  howpublished = {medRxiv},
  year = {2026},
  month = jul,
  doi = {10.64898/2026.07.06.26356658},
  url = {https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.06.26356658v2},
  note = {CC BY},
}

TY  - UNPB
TI  - An mHealth intervention based on behavior change techniques to promote physical activity and nutrition in older patients with cancer: protocol for an N-of-1 trial
AU  - M. Brusseau
AU  - J. Deffrennes
AU  - B. Gallet-Suchet
AU  - L. Cristol
AU  - G. Dray
AU  - S. Gendrault
AU  - L. Harguem
AU  - R. Dadier
AU  - J. Boiche
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/07/06
PB  - medRxiv
DO  - 10.64898/2026.07.06.26356658
UR  - https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.06.26356658v2
AB  - BACKGROUNDOlder adults with cancer often struggle to achieve recommended levels of physical activity and dietary intake. Ecological momentary assessment combined with accelerometry can provide insights into the temporal dynamics of psychological and behavioral processes at the individual level, such as motivation towards health behaviors.  OBJECTIVEThis N-of-1 study aims to improve physical activity and dietary intake among older patients with cancer using an mHealth behavioral intervention.  METHODSA single-subject ABA design will be employed among older patients with cancer ([≥] 70 years). A 2-week baseline phase (A) will be followed by an 8-week intervention phase (B) and a 2-week follow-up phase (A). Throughout all these phases, participants will complete a daily data collection protocol combining ecological momentary assessment questionnaires and an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer worn on the waist to measure physical activity. Ecological momentary assessment questionnaires will be delivered via a digital application to collect information on dietary intake, fatigue, and motivational constructs based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. The intervention (B) will consist of an mHealth intervention based on behavior change techniques, delivered via weekly calls, personalized messages, and a digital application. Data will be analyzed using piecewise regression models. In addition, a semi-structured interview will be conducted to assess patient experience. These qualitative data will help identify contextual factors, such as treatment-related side effects or variations in health status, that may have influenced behavior change and participation in data collection.  CONCLUSIONThis N-of-1 study explores intra-individual behavioral dynamics using intensive longitudinal data rather than testing a strictly reversible intervention effect. The mHealth intervention is based on behavior change techniques, with adjustments tailored to participants progress and changing circumstances. The results will contribute to the evidence base for mHealth interventions designed to promote sustained physical activity and dietary intake among older adults with cancer.
ER  -