Physical Activity Promotion in Breast Cancer Survivors

Over 30 studies have shown that exercise can improve physical fitness, reduce fatigue, increase functioning, and enhance overall quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors both during and after treatments. Research has also shown, however, that breast cancer survivors experience a significant reduction in physical activity during treatments that is not recovered even years after treatments are completed. The objectives of this study are to examine the effects of two behavior change interventions (a step pedometer and printed materials) on physical activity, social cognitive variables, and QoL in a population-based sample of breast cancer survivors. Approximately 300 breast cancer survivors living in Northern Alberta will be randomized to one of four groups: (1) an exercise recommendation only group (viewed as the current standard of care), (2) an exercise recommendation plus pedometer group, (3) an exercise recommendation plus printed materials group, and (4) an exercise recommendation plus pedometer and printed materials group. Our primary hypothesis is that participants receiving the combined pedometer and printed materials intervention will report the greatest change in physical activity. Our secondary hypotheses are that these interventions will also result in improved QoL and more positive social cognitive beliefs about exercise in breast cancer survivors. Given the geographic dispersion of our population, finding practical and sustainable interventions that employ distance medicine-based approaches may be ideal for promoting healthy activity patterns in breast cancer survivors in Northern Alberta.

Sex

Female

Inclusion Criteria:

* histologically confirmed breast cancer.
* mentally competent.
* physician approval to participate in the study.
* free from chronic medical and orthopaedic conditions.
* no current or planned pregnancy.
* ability to read and understand English.
* must be in the post treatment phase of their cancer trajectory.
* willing to accept random assignment.
* not currently participating in another QoL intervention.
* no known or active metastatic disease.

• DERIVEDVallance JK, Courneya KS, Plotnikoff RC, Yasui Y, Mackey JR. Randomized controlled trial of the effects of print materials and step pedometers on physical activity and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. J Clin Oncol. 2007 Jun 10;25(17):2352-9. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2006.07.9988. PMID 17557948