Moderate-to-good acceptability of smartwatch monitoring in head and neck cancer survivors: findings from the MOVE-1 feasibility study.

Authors

Karl Vietinghoff, Susanne Fischer, Sabina Ulbricht, Daniel Strueder, Theresa Momper, Christian Junghanss, Sabine Felser

Published in

Frontiers in oncology. Volume 16. Pages 1844730. Epub Jun 03, 2026.

Abstract

Physical activity is associated with improved clinical outcomes across the cancer continuum. However, adherence to recommended activity levels among cancer survivors remains low. Digital health technologies such as smartwatches may support patients and survivors in achieving sufficient daily activity through continuous monitoring and feedback. Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) often experience persistent functional limitations, yet evidence regarding the utility of wearable-based monitoring in this population remains limited. Therefore, the MOVE-1 study evaluated the feasibility of smartwatch-based monitoring in HNC survivors.
MOVE-1 was a cross-sectional study investigating smartwatch use in HNC survivors. Participants were instructed to wear a smartwatch continuously for seven days (24 hours per day, 168 hours in total). Heart rate and step count were recorded and visible to participants via the smartwatch display. Feasibility parameters evaluated included recruitment rate, adherence assessed by heart rate data availability, frequency of display use (4-point Likert scale) and usability (System Usability Scale, SUS). Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Screened individuals who declined participation were analyzed separately regarding age, sex and reasons for refusal.
The recruitment rate was 50%. There were no significant differences between participants and non-participants regarding sex or age. Common reasons for non-participation included lack of interest, sufficient self-reported physical activity, time constraints and low affinity for technology. Thirty-five HNC survivors were enrolled (median age 63 ± 6 years). Median smartwatch wearing time was 111 hours, out of a total of 168 hours (67%). Display functions were used "often" or "very often" by 60% of participants. Perceived usability was rated as good, with a mean SUS score of 74 (percentile rank 69, grade B). Reported dissatisfaction mainly concerned wristband handling, while three participants experienced difficulties operating the smartwatch. The median daily step count was 7,298 steps.
Moderate-to-good adherence and good usability suggest that smartwatch-based monitoring of physical activity and vital parameters is feasible in HNC survivors, although alternative wristband designs may improve usability. The observed step counts indicate that included individuals were more physically active than average. These findings support future interventional studies using smartwatches to promote physical activity in this patient cohort.

PMID:
42318464
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 19 Jun 2026.

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