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IMPORTANCE: Recovery of shoulder function following breast cancer surgery is crucial for physical functioning and quality of life. While early implementation of shoulder rehabilitation exercises may enhance recovery, the optimal timing and exercise program remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether an early exercise intervention, initiated 1 day postsurgery and continued for 1 month through subsequent visits, could improve shoulder range of motion (ROM) and strength in patients with breast cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A parallel-group, 2-arm randomized clinical trial was conducted between June 2020 and October 2021 at the Breast Cancer Center in Seoul, South Korea. Fifty-six patients (of 119 screened) with early-stage breast cancer who were scheduled for partial or total mastectomy were randomized into a tailored resistance exercise group (n = 28) or a usual care group (n = 28). Data were analyzed from November 2021 to June 2022. INTERVENTIONS: The exercise intervention commenced 1 day postsurgery and consisted of 4 supervised exercise education sessions corresponding with surgeon visits and daily home-based exercises for the first postoperative month. Tailored programs, including stretching and strength exercises, were adjusted based on individual shoulder function recovery status. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary end points were shoulder ROM and strength at 1 and 6 months postsurgery. Physical activity, body composition, and quality of life were assessed at 6 months. RESULTS: Of 56 patients randomized (mean [SD] age, 50.3 [6.6] years), 54 completed the trial (96%), with 100% and 97% compliance to supervised and home-based exercise sessions, respectively. At 1 month postsurgery, 19 (67.9%) in the exercise group had fully recovered shoulder strength compared to 1 (3.6%) in the usual care group (P < .001). At 6 months, 22 (78.6%) in the exercise group had fully recovered shoulder ROM and 24 (85.7%) had fully recovered strength compared to 6 (21.4%) and 5 (17.9%), respectively, in the usual care group (P < .001). The exercise group exhibited less loss in muscle mass and improved physical activity and quality of life compared to the usual care group. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: In this trial, 1-month tailored exercise program, initiated immediately after breast cancer surgery and supplemented with supervised sessions coinciding with surgeon visits, significantly improved shoulder function in patients with breast cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: WHO International Clinical Trials Registry identifier: KCT0006997

•In 1,458 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, lower relative peak cardiopulmonary fitness was independently associated with higher rates of moderate depression, poor sleep quality, and clinical fatigue.•Lower relative peak cardiopulmonary fitness was also independently associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing any symptom and multiple symptoms.•Both lower relative peak cardiopulmonary fitness and lower relative upper body muscular endurance were independently associated with a higher rate of clinical fatigue.•Relative peak cardiopulmonary fitness appears to be a critical fitness component associated with multiple patient-reported symptoms in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

Background. Adverse upper limb musculoskeletal effects occur after surgical procedures and radiotherapy for breast cancer and can interfere with activities of daily living. Objective. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a 16-week exercise intervention on shoulder function in women who are overweight or obese and have breast cancer. Design. This study was a randomized controlled trial. Setting. The study was performed at the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. Participants. One hundred women with breast cancer were randomly allocated to exercise or usual-care groups. The mean (SD) age of the women was 53.5 (10.4) years, 55% were Hispanic white, and their mean (SD) body mass index was 33.5 (5.5) kg/[m.sup.2]. Intervention. The 16-week exercise intervention consisted of supervised, progressive, moderate to vigorous aerobic and resistance exercise 3 times per week. Measurements. Shoulder active range of motion, isometric muscular strength, and patient-reported outcome measures (including Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and the Penn Shoulder Scale) were assessed at baseline, after the intervention, and at the 3-month follow-up (exercise group only). Differences in mean changes for outcomes were evaluated using mixed-model repeated-measures analysis. Results. Compared with the usual-care group, the exercise group experienced significant increases in shoulder active range of motion (the mean between-group differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were as follows: shoulder flexion = 36.6[degrees] [95% CI = 55.2-20.7[degrees]], external rotation at 0[degrees] = 23.4[degrees] [95% CI = 31.1-12.5[degrees]], and external rotation at 90[degrees] = 34.3[degrees] [95% CI = 45.9-26.2[degrees]]), improved upper extremity isometric strength, and improved Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Penn Shoulder Scale scores. Limitations. Limitations include a lack of masking of assessors after the intervention, an attention control group, and statistical robustness (shoulder function was a secondary end point). Conclusions. A 16-week exercise intervention effectively improved shoulder function following breast cancer treatment in women who were overweight or obese, who were ethnically diverse, and who had breast cancer., The relative 5-year survival rate for women with breast cancer has increased to 89.7% (1) in recent years, with a staggering 3.1 million women with breast cancer in the United [...]

Purpose: To report the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on cardiometabolic biomarkers in patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance (AS) from the Exercise During Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer (ERASE) Trial. Methods: Fifty-two men with prostate cancer on AS were randomized to either an exercise (HIIT; n= 26) or usual care (UC; n= 26) group. The HIIT intervention consisted of progressive, supervised, aerobic HIIT at an intensity of 85 to 95% VO2peakfor 28 to 40 min per session performed three times/week for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and postintervention to analyze cardiometabolic biomarkers. Analysis of covariance was used to examine between-group mean differences. Results: Blood data were obtained from 49/52 (94%) participants at postintervention. Participants were aged 63.4 ± 7.1 years and 40% were obese. The HIIT group attended 96% of the planned exercise sessions. No significant between-group changes in weight were observed after the intervention. Compared to UC, HIIT significantly improved total cholesterol (−0.40 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval[CI], −0.70 to −0.10; p= 0.011), non-high-density lipoprotein-c (−0.35 mmol/L; 95% CI, −0.60 to −0.11; p= 0.006), insulin (−13.6 pmol/L; 95% CI, −25.3 to −1.8; p= 0.025), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 (−15.0 ng/mL; 95% CI, −29.9 to −0.1; p= 0.048), and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 (152.3 ng/mL; 95% CI, 12.6 to 292.1; p= 0.033). No significant differences were observed for fasting glucose, HbA1c, other lipid markers, IGFBP-1, adiponectin, and leptin. Conclusions: The ERASE Trial showed that a 12-week aerobic HIIT program improved several cardiometabolic biomarkers in patients with prostate cancer on AS that may contribute to cardiovascular health benefits and potentially influence signaling pathways in the progression of prostate cancer. Further research is needed to confirm the effects of exercise on cardiometabolic markers in men with prostate cancer on AS and determine if these effects are associated with improved long-term clinical outcomes.

•Research on physical activity in patients with kidney cancer is very limited with only 17 published articles from nine independent studies.•The 9 independent studies consisted of 7 cohort studies focused mainly on physical activity in the general population and risk of kidney cancer mortality; and 1 cross-sectional study and 1 randomized controlled trial focused mainly on exercise behavior change in patients with kidney cancer.•Evidence on the safety, feasibility, and efficacy (benefits and harms) of physical activity in patients with kidney cancer is lacking. Systematic research is needed on physical activity in patients with kidney cancer, taking into account their unique disease- and treatment-related factors.

ABSTRACT Background: Physical exercise has been identified as a potential intervention to improve quality of life in women with breast cancer. We sought to summarize the available evidence concerning the [...]

With a growing consensus of the importance of physical activity across a number of health outcomes, the current study investigated the impact of a cancer diagnosis on adolescent physical activity [...]

Increased moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with better health outcomes in breast cancer survivors; yet, most are insufficiently active. Smartphone applications (apps) to promote MVPA have high scalability potential, but few evidence-based apps exist. The purpose is to describe the testing and usability of Fit2Thrive, a MVPA promotion app for breast cancer survivors. A user-centered, iterative design process was utilized on three independent groups of participants. Two groups of breast cancer survivors (group 1 n= 8; group 2: n= 14) performed app usability field testing by interacting with the app for ≥3 days in a free-living environment. App refinements occurred following each field test. The Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) and the User Version Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) assessed app usability and quality on a 7- and 5-point scale, respectively, and women provided qualitative written feedback. A third group (n= 15) rated potential app notification content. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using a directed content analysis. The PSSUQ app usability score (M1=3.8; SD = 1.4 vs. M2=3.2; SD = 1.1; lower scores are better) and uMARS app quality score (M1= 3.4; SD = 1.3 vs. M2=3.4; SD = 0.6; higher scores are better) appeared to improve in Field Test 2. Group 1 participants identified app “clunkiness,” whereas group 2 participants identified issues with error messaging/functionality. Group 3 “liked” 53% of the self-monitoring, 71% of the entry reminder, 60% of the motivational, and 70% of the goal accomplishment notifications. Breast cancer survivors indicated that the Fit2Thrive app was acceptable and participants were able to use the app. Future work will test the efficacy of this app to increase MVPA.“Increasing time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with better health outcomes in breast cancer survivors. Even so, most breast cancer survivors do not meet current physical activity recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. One potential solution to assist breast cancer survivors in increasing their physical activity is to provide remote access to a physical activity promotion intervention through a smartphone application (app). Our purpose was to describe the iterative process we completed to design, Fit2Thrive, a moderate-to-vigorous physical activity promotion app for breast cancer survivors. We recruited three separate groups of survivors to test app components and provide feedback on the useability and app quality, with updates being made to the app between each test group. At the end of this iterative design process, breast cancer survivors indicated that the Fit2Thrive app was acceptable, and participants were able to use the app. Our future work will test the efficacy of the app to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among breast cancer survivors.”

Research presented attempts to define the level and type of exercise or physical activity needed to lower the risk of breast cancer in women. Findings suggest that moderate-intensity exercise such as household and occupational activities rated highest for breast cancer risk reduction.

IMPORTANCE: Men with prostate cancer who are undergoing active surveillance are at an increased risk of cardiovascular death and disease progression. Exercise has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, physical functioning, body composition, fatigue, and quality of life during and after treatment; however, to date only 1 exercise study has been conducted in this clinical setting. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness and biochemical progression in men with prostate cancer who were undergoing active surveillance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Exercise During Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer (ERASE) trial was a single-center, 2-group, phase 2 randomized clinical trial conducted at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Eligible patients were recruited from July 24, 2018, to February 5, 2020. Participants were adult men who were diagnosed with localized very low risk to favorable intermediate risk prostate cancer and undergoing active surveillance. They were randomized to either the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group or usual care group. All statistical analyses were based on the intention-to-treat principle. INTERVENTIONS: The HIIT group was asked to complete 12 weeks of thrice-weekly, supervised aerobic sessions on a treadmill at 85% to 95% of peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2). The usual care group maintained their normal exercise levels. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was peak V̇o2, which was assessed as the highest value of oxygen uptake during a graded exercise test using a modified Bruce protocol. Secondary and exploratory outcomes were indicators of biochemical progression of prostate cancer, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and PSA kinetics, and growth of prostate cancer cell line LNCaP. RESULTS: A total of 52 male patients, with a mean (SD) age of 63.4 (7.1) years, were randomized to either the HIIT (n = 26) or usual care (n = 26) groups. Overall, 46 of 52 participants (88%) completed the postintervention peak V̇o2 assessment, and 49 of 52 participants (94%) provided blood samples. Adherence to HIIT was 96%. The primary outcome of peak V̇o2 increased by 0.9 mL/kg/min in the HIIT group and decreased by 0.5 mL/kg/min in the usual care group (adjusted between-group mean difference (1.6 mL/kg/min; 95% CI, 0.3-2.9; P = .01). Compared with the usual care group, the HIIT group experienced decreased PSA level (−1.1 μg/L; 95% CI, −2.1 to 0.0; P = .04), PSA velocity (−1.3 μg /L/y; 95% CI, −2.5 to −0.1; P = .04), and LNCaP cell growth (−0.13 optical density unit; 95% CI, −0.25 to −0.02; P = .02). No statistically significant differences were found in PSA doubling time or testosterone. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The ERASE trial demonstrated that HIIT increased cardiorespiratory fitness levels and decreased PSA levels, PSA velocity, and prostate cancer cell growth in men with localized prostate cancer who were under active surveillance. Larger trials are warranted to determine whether such improvement translates to better longer-term clinical outcomes in this setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03203460

Background/objective: Exercise may reduce the risk of breast cancer through adiposity changes, but the dose-response effects of exercise volume on adiposity markers are unknown in postmenopausal women. We aimed to compare the dose-response effects of prescribed aerobic exercise volume on adiposity outcomes. Participants/methods: Data from the Alberta Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention (ALPHA) and Breast Cancer and Exercise Trial in Alberta (BETA) were pooled for this analysis (N= 720). These were 12-month randomized controlled trials, where participants were randomized to 225 min/week (mid-volume) of aerobic exercise versus usual inactive lifestyle (ALPHA), or 150 min/week (low-volume) versus 300 min/week (high-volume) (BETA). Fat mass and fat-free mass were measured using DXA and intra-abdominal and subcutaneous fat area were assessed with computed tomography. Results: After 12 months of aerobic exercise, increasing exercise volumes from no exercise/control to 300 min/week resulted in statistically significant reductions in BMI, weight, fat mass, fat percentage, intra-abdominal and subcutaneous fat area (P< 0.001). Compared with controls, fat mass loss was −1.13, −1.98 and −2.09 kg in the low-, mid- and high-volume groups, respectively. Similarly, weight loss was −1.47, −1.83, −2.21 kg in the low-, mid- and high-volume groups, respectively, compared to controls, and intra-abdominal fat area loss was −7.44, −15.56 and −8.76 cm2in the low-, mid- and high-volume groups, respectively, compared to controls. No evidence for a dose-response effect on fat-free mass was noted. Conclusion: A dose-response effect of exercise volume on adiposity markers was noted, however, the differences in adiposity markers were smaller when comparing 225 min/week to 300 min/week of exercise. Given the strong positive associations between obesity and postmenopausal breast cancer risk, this study provides evidence on the importance of exercise volume as part of the exercise prescription to reduce adiposity and, ultimately, postmenopausal breast cancer risk.

Incorporating peer and professional social support features into remotely delivered, technology-supported physical activity interventions may increase their effectiveness. However, very little is known about survivors' preferences for potential social features. This study explored breast cancer survivors' preferences for both traditional (e.g., coaching calls and peer support) and innovative (i.e., message boards and competitions) social support features within remotely delivered, technology-supported physical activity interventions. Survivors [N = 96; Mage = 55.8 (SD = 10.2)] self-reported demographic and disease characteristics and physical activity. A subset (n = 28) completed semistructured phone interviews. Transcribed interviews were evaluated using a thematic content analysis approach and consensus review. Following interviews, the full sample self-reported preferences for social features for remotely delivered physical activity interventions via online questionnaires. Questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Four themes emerged from interview data: (a) technology increases social connectedness; (b) interest in professional involvement/support; (c) connecting with similar survivors; and (d) apprehension regarding competitive social features. Quantitative data indicated that most survivors were interested in social features including a coach (77.1 per cent), team (66.7 per cent), and exercise buddy (57.3 per cent). Survivors endorsed sharing their activity data with their team (80.0 per cent) and buddy (76.6 per cent), but opinions were mixed regarding a progress board ranking their activity in relation to other participants' progress. Survivors were interested in using a message board to share strategies to increase activity (74.5 per cent) and motivational comments (73.4 per cent). Social features are of overall interest to breast cancer survivors, yet preferences for specific social support features varied. Engaging survivors in developing and implementing remotely delivered, technology-supported social features may enhance their effectiveness.

A study explores the independent and interactive relationships among body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in cancer survivors. Findings reveal that BMI and PA are independently associated with HQRoL, while their interactive associations are negligible.

A 12-week multidisciplinary physical activity behavior change intervention program for forty-one sedentary breast cancer survivors is described. This intervention is found to be feasible and has results in potentially meaningful improvements in physical activity.

The various effects of the pedometers and print materials (PM) on the physical activity (PA) in the breast cancer survivors after a randomized trial are discussed. The results prove that the breast-cancer specific PM has no impact on the enhancement of PA in such patients.

A study was conducted to identify demographic and health factors associated with physical activity in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The results indicate that most adults with diabetes do not regularly engage in adequate physical activity to achieve health benefits and the majority of both type 1 and type 2 participants were considered insufficiently active.

The association between an objective indicator of chronic exercise, aerobic fitness, and 2-OHE1 and 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1) in premenopausal women was investigated. No statistically significant association between aerobic fitness and 2-OHE1 and 16alpha-OHE1 was found, but it was observed that body composition was associated with 2-OHE1 and 16alpha-OHE1 levels.

An overview of the role of physical exercise to enhance the quality of life (QOL) to reduce the recurrence of cancer and also to extend the survival of cancer survivors is discussed. The findings suggested that exercise play an important role in cancer control efforts but further research is required to examine the effects of exercise on promising biomarkers of disease and cancer recurrence and overall survival.

IMPORTANCE: The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is a valid method for predicting the 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Higher FRS is reported in patients with early-stage breast cancer who are overweight than in healthy, age-matched women, but whether exercise reduces FRS in this patient population is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of a 16-week aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on the FRS in women with early-stage breast cancer and with overweight condition or obesity. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This single-center, prospective randomized clinical trial included 100 women with stage I to III breast cancer who were sedentary, with overweight condition or obesity (body mass index of ≥25.0 or body fat of ≥30%), and completed cancer treatment within 6 months prior to enrollment. Participants were randomized to either the usual care or exercise group. Differences in mean changes for outcomes were evaluated using mixed-model repeated-measures analyses. Data were collected from August 1, 2012, through July 1, 2017. Data analysis, which followed the intention-to-treat approach, was performed from May 24 to October 2, 2018. INTERVENTIONS: The exercise group underwent supervised aerobic and resistance exercise sessions thrice weekly for 16 weeks. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The FRS was calculated for each participant using preset points for each of the 6 FRS categories: age, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes presence, and smoking status. RESULTS: In total, 100 women were randomized to either the exercise group (n = 50) or usual care group (n = 50). Of these women, 55 (55%) were of Hispanic white race/ethnicity and the mean (SD) age was 53.5 (10.4) years. The mean (SD) total FRS scores postintervention were 2.0 (1.5) in the exercise group and 13.0 (3.0) in the usual care group. The postintervention FRS was significantly reduced in the exercise group compared with the usual care group (mean, −9.5; 95% CI, −13.0 to −6.0), which corresponds to an 11% (95% CI, −15.0 to −5.0) decrease on the FRS-predicted 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A 16-week supervised aerobic and resistance exercise intervention appeared to reduce the FRS-predicted 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease in women with early-stage breast cancer with overweight condition or obesity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01140282

ObjectiveCertain exercise prescriptions for patients with cancer may improve self-reported quality of life (QoL) and self-reported physical function (PF). We investigated the effects of exercise on QoL and PF in patients with cancer and studied differences in effects between different intervention-related and exercise-related characteristics.DesignWe searched four electronic databases to identify randomised controlled trials investigating exercise effects on QoL and PF in patients with cancer. Pooled effects (Hedges’ g) were calculated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on intervention dimensions, including timing, duration and delivery mode, and exercise dimensions, including frequency, intensity, type and time (FITT factors).ResultsWe included 74 exercise arms. Patients who were randomised to exercise interventions had significantly improved QoL (g=0.15, 95% CI (0.10 to 0.20), n=67 exercise arms) and PF (g=0.21, 95% CI (0.15 to 0.27), n=59 exercise arms) compared with patients in control groups. We found a significant between-group difference for exercise delivery mode, with significant beneficial effects for supervised exercise interventions (g=0.20, 95% CI (0.14 to 0.26) for QoL and g=0.27, 95% CI (0.20 to 0.33) for PF), but not for unsupervised interventions (g=0.04, 95% CI (−0.06 to 0.13) for QoL and g=0.09, 95% CI (−0.01 to 0.19) for PF). No statistically significant differences in intervention effects were found for variations in intervention timing, duration or exercise FITT factors. Unsupervised exercise with higher weekly energy expenditure was more effective than unsupervised exercise with lower energy expenditure (z=2.34, p=0.02).ConclusionsExercise interventions, especially when supervised, have statistically significant and small clinical benefit on self-reported QoL and PF in patients with cancer. Unsupervised exercise intervention effects on PF were larger when prescribed at a higher weekly energy expenditure.

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IMPORTANCE: Body fat increases postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Physical activity may decrease risk through adiposity changes, but the optimal dose of activity is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of 300 vs 150 min/wk of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise on body fat in postmenopausal women. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Breast Cancer and Exercise Trial in Alberta was a 12-month, 2-armed, 2-center randomized dose-comparison trial conducted from June 2010 through June 2013. Participants were 400 inactive postmenopausal women with body mass index 22 to 40, disease-free, nonsmokers, and nonusers of exogenous hormones. INTERVENTIONS: Five d/wk of aerobic exercise (3 d/wk supervised, 2 d/wk unsupervised) for 30 min/session (moderate-volume) or 60 min/session (high volume) achieving 65% to 75% of heart rate reserve for at least 50% of each session. Participants were asked not to change usual diet. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Total body fat, measured from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scans, was the primary outcome. Other measures included subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat from computed tomography scans, weight, and waist and hip circumferences. RESULTS: Of 400 women, 384 provided baseline and follow-up adiposity measurements. Median (interquartile range) adherence at full prescription for the high- and moderate-volume groups was 254 (166-290) and 137 (111-150) min/wk, respectively. Mean reductions in total fat were significantly larger in the high- vs moderate-volume group (least-squares mean difference, −1.0% [95% CI, −1.6% to −0.4%], P = .002). Subcutaneous abdominal fat and waist to hip ratio decreased significantly more in the high-volume group (least-squares mean difference, −10.8 [95% CI, −19.5 to −2.2] cm2, P = .01, and −0.01 [95% CI, −0.02 to 0.00], P = .04, respectively). Changes in weight and intra-abdominal fat were not significantly different between groups (least-squares mean difference, −0.7 [95% CI, −1.6 to 0.2] kg, P = .11, and −1.5 [95% CI, −5.9 to 2.9] cm2, P = .50, respectively). Some dose-response effects were stronger for obese women. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In previously inactive postmenopausal women, a 1-year prescription of moderate to vigorous exercise for 300 min/wk was superior to 150 min/wk for reducing total fat and other adiposity measures, especially in obese women. These results suggest additional benefit of higher-volume aerobic exercise for adiposity outcomes and possibly a lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01435005

Supervised physical activity (PA) improves short-term health outcomes in cancer survivors, but longer-term adherence is rarely achieved.

Physical activity (PA) has been associated with lower risk of disease recurrence and longer survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors; however, less than one-third of CRC survivors are meeting PA guidelines. Interventions to promote PA in CRC survivors need to understand the most critical beliefs that influence PA behavior.

Short-term supervised exercise interventions improve health-related fitness in lung cancer survivors; however, sustained exercise is required to maintain the health benefits. The impact of exercise interventions on motivational outcomes may be important for long-term exercise adoption.

Few research studies have focused on physical activity in young-adult cancer survivors despite the potential long-term health consequences of inactivity in this population.

Improving effectiveness of group exercise counseling for breast cancer survivors is needed.

With continual improvements in screening uptake and adjuvant cancer treatments, the number of Canadian women surviving breast cancer continues to grow. Preliminary findings suggest yoga can improve quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors, but few studies have focused on Iyengar yoga (IY).

To examine the role of self-efficacy and depression as potential pathways from physical activity to fatigue in two study samples: breast cancer survivors (BCS) (n192) and individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) (n292).

Cancer is a global health problem with over 10 million cancer survivors in the United States alone. Cancer and its treatments often produce side effects that undermine quality of life. The purpose of this article is to review research examining the effects of physical activity (PA) upon quality of life and disease prognosis in cancer survivors. We divide our review into PA studies focusing upon (a) quality of life during treatments, (b) quality of life during survivorship (after treatments), (c) quality of life during palliative care, and (d) disease prognosis end points. Compelling clinical trial data indicate that PA can improve quality of life end points during treatment and survivorship. Data during palliative care is limited. Observational data suggest that PA may reduce the risk of disease recurrence and extend survival in some cancer survivors. Research findings suggest that PA is an appropriate recommendation for most cancer survivors, although many research questions remain.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of presurgical exercise training on quality of life (QOL) in patients with malignant lung lesions. Using a single-group prospective design, patients were enrolled in supervised aerobic exercise training for the duration of surgical wait time (mean 59.7 days). Participants completed assessments of cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption) and QOL using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung scales, including the trial outcome index (TOI) and the lung cancer subscale (LCS) at baseline, immediately presurgery, and postsurgery (mean, 57 days). 9 participants provided complete data. Repeated-measures analysis indicated a significant effect for time on TOI (P= .006) and LCS (P= .009). Paired analysis revealed that QOL was unchanged after exercise training (ie, baseline to presurgery), but there were significant and clinically meaningful declines from presurgery to postsurgery in the LCS (−3.6, P= .021) and TOI (−8.3, P= .018). Change in peak oxygen consumption from presurgery to postsurgery was significantly associated with change in the LCS (r= 0.70, P= .036) and TOI (r= 0.70, P= .035). Exercise training did not improve QOL from baseline to presurgery. Significant declines in QOL after surgery seem to be related to declines in cardiorespiratory fitness. A randomized controlled trial is needed to further investigate these relationships.

Purpose. To compare the effects of stage-matched and standard print materials for physical activity (PA) change.Design. Participants were randomized into (1) a stage-matched intervention group (n = 165), (2) a standard intervention group (n = 176), or (3) a no-contact control group (n = 166). The stage-matched and standard intervention groups both received materials at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Assessments of all three groups were conducted at baseline, 6, and 12 months.Setting. Canadian worksites.Subjects. Employees (N = 507).Interventions. Five motivationally targeted booklets were developed for the stage-matched group. The standard group received Canada's Physical Activity Guideand handbook.Measures. The main dependent variable was PA, expressed as metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes and measured using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Demographic characteristics and stages of change for PA were also assessed.Results. At 12 months mean weekly MET minutes for combined moderate and vigorous activity increased from baseline by 223, 67, and 78 for the stage-matched, standard, and control groups, respectively; however, differences were not significant (p > .05). Women in the stage-matched group over the 12-month period significantly increased their activity by 327 weekly MET minutes whereas the standard and control groups declined their activity (F = 3.01, p < .05).Conclusion. PA stage-matched materials delivered in the workplace are efficacious for women but not men. Future interventions should explore the use of these intervention materials in conjunction with multilevel strategies, and particular attention should be paid to possible gender differences.

This nonrandomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effects of acute exercise on neutrophil count and function in children and adolescents receiving maintenance treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) compared to matched controls.

Exercise has gained recognition as an effective supportive care intervention for cancer survivors, yet participation rates are low. Knowledge of the specific exercise counseling and programming preferences of cancer survivors may be useful for designing effective interventions. In this study, we examined the exercise preferences of 386 endometrial cancer survivors. Participants completed a questionnaire that included measures of past exercise behavior, exercise preferences, and medical and demographic information. Some key findings were as follows (a) 76.9% of participants said they were interested or might be interested in doing an exercise program and (b) 81.7% felt they were able or likely able to actually do an exercise program. Participants also indicated that walking was their preferred activity (68.6%) and moderate exercise was their preferred intensity (61.1%). Logistic regression analyses showed that meeting public health guidelines for exercise, being overweight or obese, receiving adjuvant treatment, months since diagnosis, income, marital status, and level of education all influenced exercise preferences. These results suggest that endometrial cancer survivors have unique exercise preferences that are moderated by a number of demographic and medical variables. These findings may have implications for the design and implementation of clinical and population-based exercise interventions for endometrial cancer survivors.

This study uses the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explain why some people play the lottery, and it examines how the TPB's variables and variable relationships differ due to ethnicity, or gender, or their interaction. A telephone interview conducted in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin resulted in data on the lottery play intentions of 208 Chinese/Canadians (97 males, 111 females) and 220 British/Canadians (112 males, 108 females). When intention to play the lottery was regressed on six TPB variables, it was found that: (a) affective attitude was an important predictor for all four groups, while instrumental attitude was only important for British/Canadian males; (b) injunctive norm was an important predictor only for Chinese/Canadian males, while descriptive norm was an important predictor only for British/Canadian males; (c) controllability was an important predictor only for Chinese/Canadian females, with a negative coefficient suggesting secondary control; and (d) self-efficacy was not an important predictor for any of the groups. A follow-up mail questionnaire provided additional data on the self-reported lottery play behavior of 100 Chinese/Canadians (51 males, 49 females) and 115 British/Canadians (57 males, 58 females) 30 days after the initial telephone interview was conducted. When lottery play behavior was regressed on self-efficacy, controllability, and intention, intention was found to be an important predictor for all four groups. These findings are discussed in light of recent research on the TPB, leisure and gambling, and ethnicity and gender.

The purpose of this study was to examine the demographic, medical, and social cognitive determinants of exercise intentions in a population-based sample of multiple myeloma cancer survivors. Using a cross-sectional survey, 70 multiple myeloma cancer survivors completed a questionnaire that assessed their medical and demographic characteristics, past exercise behavior, and social cognitive exercise beliefs using the theory of planned behavior.

Physical activity during breast cancer treatment can significantly reduce treatment-related fatigue and improve quality of life. Unfortunately, the majority of women with breast cancer either do not exercise at all or exercise below recommended levels. Little is known about how to enhance physical activity among breast cancer patients. The social cognitive theory, a useful framework for the design of physical activity interventions, has not been studied among breast cancer patients. Our study purpose was to explore physical activity knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among breast cancer patients during adjuvant therapy utilizing social cognitive theory constructs in preparation for a larger, survey study and future intervention research. Twelve breast cancer patients attended 1 of 3 focus group sessions. Focus group questions were based on the social cognitive theory constructs of self-efficacy, environment, behavioral capability, expectations, expectancies, self-control and performance, observational learning, and reinforcement. The focus group participants generally felt confident in their ability to exercise during treatment if fatigue, time management, and social networking were addressed. The majority of participants had not been given information related to exercise by their physicians during treatment. The participants felt that exercise was more beneficial than harmful during treatment, with the 2 most important benefits identified as reduced fatigue and the potential for improved survival. The use of reinforcements by participants was minimal. The participants consistently expressed the desire for education and guidance by knowledgeable staff during an exercise program. Walking was the most acceptable exercise modality. Social cognitive theory may be a useful framework for future study of exercise behavior among breast cancer patients and measurement of constructs related to this theory should be included in such studies. Future exercise intervention studies should consider the unique barriers and program preferences of breast cancer patients while focusing on self-efficacy, outcome expectations/ expectancies, observational learning, and reinforcements.