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Physical activity among breast cancer survivors: regular exercisers vs participants in a physical activity intervention
Author(s) -
Rabin Carolyn S.,
Pinto Bernardine M.,
Trunzo Joseph J.,
Frierson Georita M.,
Bucknam Lynn M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.961
Subject(s) - psychosocial , medicine , breast cancer , intervention (counseling) , psychological intervention , physical therapy , population , physical activity , cancer , gerontology , psychiatry , environmental health
Background : Secondary prevention is of great importance in the cancer survivor population, given the substantial medical risks survivors face. Consequently, researchers have begun developing interventions that target behavioral risk factors, such as sedentary lifestyle, among survivors. This study represents a novel approach for evaluating the efficacy of a physical activity intervention for breast cancer survivors. Methods : Repeated measures analyses were used to compare a group of previously sedentary breast cancer survivors offered a physical activity intervention ( n =43) with a group of regularly active survivors ( n =40). These two groups were compared on select behavioral and psychosocial measures associated with physical activity. Results : Results indicated significant time × group effects on the following: behavioral processes of change, minutes of moderate‐intensity activity/week, and time to complete the one‐mile walk test (a measure of fitness). There was also a borderline significant interaction for self‐efficacy. Contrasts indicated that, for each interaction, previously sedentary and regularly active survivors differed at baseline, but were not significantly different postintervention. Conclusions : Thus, after completing a 12‐week physical activity intervention, previously sedentary breast cancer survivors became similar to regularly active survivors on select behavioral and psychosocial measures associated with physical activity. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.