Understanding physical activity maintenance in breast cancer survivors.

Author(s): Vallance J, Plotnikoff RC, Karvinen KH, Mackey JR, Courneya KS

Affiliation(s): Assistant Professor, Centre for Nursing and Health Studies, Athabasca University, Athabasca, Canada.

Publication date & source: 2010-03, Am J Health Behav., 34(2):225-36.

Publication type:

Objectives: To examine predictors of physical activity (PA) 6 months after a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Breast cancer survivors (N=377) completed assessments at baseline, postintervention, and 6 months after the intervention. Data were collected on demographic, medical, psychosocial, motivational, and behavioral variables at baseline, postintervention, and 6 months. Results: Survivors meeting PA guidelines at baseline (OR = 5.54, 95% CI = 2.99-9.82, P < 0.001) and postintervention (OR = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.63-5.23, P < 0.001) had a greater likelihood of meeting PA guidelines at 6 months follow-up. Conclusions: Interventions promoting PA maintenance should focus on optimizing PA behavior, psychosocial functioning, and motivation.