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Multicenter Study
. 2012 Nov;8(6):320-4, 2 p following 324.
doi: 10.1200/JOP.2012.000555. Epub 2012 Jul 24.

Community-based FitSTEPS for life exercise program for persons with cancer: 5-year evaluation

Barbara K Haas  1 , Gary Kimmel, Melinda Hermanns, Belinda Deal
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

Community-based FitSTEPS for life exercise program for persons with cancer: 5-year evaluation

Barbara K Haas et al. J Oncol Pract. 2012 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the effects of a community-based program of exercise on quality of life (QOL) of persons with cancer over time.

Methods: Participants were referred by their physician to participate in an individualized program of exercise at one of 14 community centers. The Medical Outcomes Survey, Short Form, version 2.0 (SF-36) was used to assess QOL. Individual participants were monitored for 2 years. Data collection took place at baseline, every 3 months months during year 1, and every 6 months during year 2.

Results: Enrolled participants (n = 701) had been diagnosed with different cancers and were at all stages; 177 completed data collection for 2 years. One-way analysis of variance (n = 177) supported the positive impact of exercise on QOL over time. Significant subscale scores of the SF-36, including Physical Function (F = 2.13, P ≤ .047), Role Physical (F = 3.78, P ≤ .001), Vitality (F = 5.97, P ≤ .001), Social Function (F = 4.46, P ≤ .001), Role Emotional (F = 2.56, P ≤ .01), Mental Health (F = 2.16, P ≤ .05), and General Health (F = 3.42, P ≤ .01), were sustainable over time.

Conclusion: This research introduces the concept of a long-term community-based program of individualized exercise as a feasible and effective intervention to improve QOL for persons with all stages of cancer. Improvements, noted at the 3-month time point, appear to be sustainable for extended time (24 months). Attrition is problematic and needs to be addressed. Results from this study have significance for practice recommendations and health policy reimbursement issues.

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Figures

Figure A1.
Figure A1.
Changes in the Medical Outcomes Survey, Short Form, version 2.0 (SF-36) Physical Component Summary scores over time (n = 177). CFFL, Cancer Foundation for Life.
Figure A2.
Figure A2.
Changes in the Medical Outcomes Survey, Short Form, version 2.0 (SF-36) Mental Component Summary scores over time (n = 177). CFFL, Cancer Foundation for Life.
Figure A3.
Figure A3.
Reasons for leaving the FitSTEPS for Life program (n = 1,735). Compl., complications.
Figure A4.
Figure A4.
FitSTEPS for Life (FSFL) participant attrition (n = 1,735) and return (n = 1,675), March 2009 through March 2010.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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