Abstract
Cancer survivors are at an increased risk of experiencing physical and psychological ill-effects following cancer treatment. Rural cancer survivors are at a greater risk of future health problems following a cancer diagnosis compared to their urban counterparts. Physical activity has been targeted as a health promotion priority in cancer survivors. Research indicates that a large portion of cancer survivors do not meet physical activity recommendations. The purpose of this quasi-randomized controlled trial was to test the effectiveness of an online 12-week walking intervention designed for cancer survivors, and to explore its impact on physical health indicators and quality of life outcomes. Steps Toward Improving Diet and Exercise among cancer survivors (STRIDE) is an online resource designed according to Social Cognitive Theory and Self Determination Theory, based on individualized step goal setting. Measures of physiology, physical fitness, and quality of life were taken at the baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up in an Intervention group (n = 46) and active Control group (n = 45). The Control group was provided with a pedometer but did not have access to the online program. Three-factor repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that there were improvements in physical fitness (p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.01), diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01), waist girth (p < 0.01), mental health (p < 0.05), social functioning (p < 0.01), and general health (p < 0.01), but an increase in bodily pain (p < 0.01), from the baseline to week 12 and the three-month follow-up, irrespective of group allocation. Pedometer interventions, delivered with or without online support and step goal setting, show promise for improving the overall health of cancer survivors, at least in the short term.
Highlights
40% of the general population will receive a cancer diagnosis [1]
The mean age of participants in the intervention and control groups did not differ significantly (65.2 years compared with 66.1 years respectively), the age range was lower in the intervention group (29–78 years) compared with the control group (44–86 years)
The results of this study provide further evidence that pedometer interventions can produce favorable outcomes among survivors of mixed cancer types
Summary
40% of the general population will receive a cancer diagnosis [1]. Treatment, and management have increased the five-year relative survival rate to approximately 70% [2,3]. As the number of cancer survivors continues to rise, it is crucial to explore methods of improving their health and psychological wellbeing throughout survivorship. Cancer survivors often experience adverse side effects including pain [4] and fatigue [5], as well as an increased risk of functional impairment, morbidity, and premature mortality [6]. Many cancer survivors experience psychological distress and impaired social functioning [7], which can negatively impact their quality of life [8]. Reviews of the literature show that physical activity can reduce such physical limitations, obesity, secondary cancers, and premature mortality in cancer survivors [9,10]
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