Abstract
BackgroundGiven the benefits of physical activity for health and survival, clinicians are seeking opportunities for cancer patients to become more active independent of rehabilitation programs that are small, time-limited, and location specific. This proof-of-concept study evaluated a community-based physical activity program (Curves™) for increasing physical activity among women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.MethodsWomen were recruited from a breast cancer clinic through physician chart review. In study 1, women (n = 14) received the community physical activity memberships (Curves™), guidelines, and a pedometer. This group was compared to women (n = 16) who received physical activity guidelines and a pedometer on changes in physical activity. In study 2, women (n = 66) completed self-report questionnaires after Curves™ memberships expired to evaluate the program. Study 3 was a qualitative study exploring the benefits and barriers of the physical activity program among women (n = 6) who attended Curves™ regularly.ResultsProvision of memberships to a community-based physical activity program did not improve physical activity levels beyond educational and information resources. However, there are a number of advantages to community-based physical activity programs, and the women offer a number of suggestions for improvements for community physical activity opportunities aimed at breast cancer survivors.ConclusionsWomen-only community-based physical activity programs may be a viable option to help introduce women to get active after treatment.Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN14747810. Registered on 18 October 2017—Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14747810
Highlights
Given the benefits of physical activity for health and survival, clinicians are seeking opportunities for cancer patients to become more active independent of rehabilitation programs that are small, time-limited, and location specific
There were no significant differences in selfreported baseline physical activity (PA) across the groups
Two main themes and six sub-themes were identified generally around the motivation and barriers of the PA program
Summary
Given the benefits of physical activity for health and survival, clinicians are seeking opportunities for cancer patients to become more active independent of rehabilitation programs that are small, time-limited, and location specific. This proof-of-concept study evaluated a community-based physical activity program (CurvesTM) for increasing physical activity among women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among Canadian women [1]. With 5-year survival rates approaching 90%, there are many women who are living with the long-term effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment [2].
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