Physical Activity Correlates During Breast Cancer Treatment Within A Social Cognitive Theory Framework

Abstract

Designing physical activity interventions for breast cancer patients during treatment requires additional understanding of the unique physical activity correlates among such patients within a behavioral theory framework. PURPOSE To measure, among breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant therapy, the associations between physical activity and the following potential correlates within the framework of the social cognitive theory: self-efficacy, barriers, partners/role models, prior physical activity counseling, physical activity knowledge, pre-treatment physical activity, outcome expectations/values, goals, reinforcement management, and emotional well-being. METHODS Survey, 7-day physical activity recall, and 7-day pedometer monitoring were administered to 21 breast cancer patients during treatment. RESULTS The majority of participants were Caucasian (90%). Mean age was 55 ± 7 years. Adjuvant therapy was primarily hormonal or chemotherapy. Mean energy expenditure was 10.3 ± 2.0 kcal/kg/day and mean steps/day was 5525 ± 2906. Higher average steps/day was significantly associated with having a breast cancer patient exercise role model (r = 0.56, p = 0.03) and higher annual income (r = 0.61, p = 0.016). Higher daily energy expenditure was significantly associated with higher barrier self-efficacy (r = 0.62, p = 0.018), higher task self-efficacy (r = 0.77, p = 0.001), exercise partner (r = 0.71, p = 0.004), breast cancer exercise role model (r = 0.74, p = 0.003), higher physical activity enjoyment (r = 0.60, p = 0.02), and lower negative outcome value score (r = – 0.60, p = 0.02). All variables examined demonstrated correlations suggesting a medium or greater effect size (i.e., r >to 0.3) with the exception of goals. CONCLUSIONS Social cognitive theory may provide a useful framework for understanding physical activity among breast cancer patients during treatment, but correlation strength varies with physical activity measurement type. Supported by a SIU School of Medicine Central Research Committee Grant.