The promoting physical activity in regional and remote cancer survivors (PPARCS) trial: Physical activity maintenance.

INTRODUCTION: The study examined whether increased physical activity (PA) in nonmetropolitan cancer survivors was maintained 12 weeks following the PPARCS intervention.

METHODS: PA outcomes were assessed using an accelerometer at baseline, end of the intervention, and at 24 weeks. Linear mixed models were used to examine between-group changes in PA outcomes.

RESULTS: The increased moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) following intervention was maintained with significantly higher MVPA in the intervention group at 24 weeks (vs. controls) compared to baseline nett change of 52.5 min/week (95% CI 11.0-94.0.4).

CONCLUSIONS: Distance-based interventions using wearables and health coaching may produce MVPA maintenance amongst nonmetropolitan cancer survivors.