A pilot study on disseminating physical activity promotion among cancer survivors: a brief report

Abstract

There is growing evidence that physical activity (PA) can improve quality of life (QOL) and reduce fatigue in cancer survivors. Research staff or healthcare providers have delivered PA interventions to cancer populations. As a first step to dissemination of a previously tested PA intervention, seven American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery volunteers (mean age = 57.4 years) were trained to deliver the telephone-based intervention to 25 breast cancer survivors (mean age = 52.9 years, 56% Stage 2 cancer, mean of 3.3 years since diagnosis). A single group design was used. The theory-based intervention consisted of 12 weekly calls to encourage participants to adopt moderate-intensity PA. Participants' PA, QOL, mood, and fatigue were assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. Data on intervention feasibility and preliminary effects were collected. The intervention was feasible (mean of 10.7 out of 12 calls were delivered) and acceptable to the volunteers. At 12 weeks, there were significant increases in participants' PA and improvements in fatigue, QOL, and vigor. Effects were maintained at 24 weeks. This pilot study demonstrated that it was feasible for trained volunteers to deliver a telephone-based PA intervention to breast cancer survivors, and there were positive effects on survivors' PA behavior and psychological outcomes.