scholarly journals A Longitudinal Implementation Evaluation of a Physical Activity Program for Cancer Survivors: LIVESTRONG® at the Y.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie M Faro ◽  
Hannah Arem ◽  
Ann-Hilary Heston ◽  
Katherine H Hohman ◽  
Heather Hodge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Program Implementation ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Conversion Rate ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Organizational Characteristics ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Association Area

Abstract Purpose: Increased physical activity (PA) levels in cancer survivors are associated with decreased risk of recurrence and mortality as well as additional positive health outcomes. PA interventions have shown to be efficacious, though many lack translation to and sustainability in community settings. We used dimensions of the RE-AIM framework to evaluate LIVE STRONG® at the YMCA, a nation-wide community-based PA program for cancer survivors delivered at Ys. Methods: LIVE STRONG at the Y national data compiled by YMCA of the USA and Y Association Program Managers between the years of 2010-2018 was examined. We assessed reach (number of participants), adoption (Associations offering the program), implementation (conducting 3 fidelity checks), setting-level maintenance (Associations recently offering program) and participant-level maintenance (membership conversion rate). We also examined relationships between organizational characteristics (years of program existence and Association area household income), and program implementation factors with member conversion. Results: As of 2018, LIVE STRONG at the Y has reached 62,044 survivors and 245 of the 840 (29.2%) of Y Associations have adopted the program. Among the adopters, 91% were aware of fidelity checks; implementation of Observational (62.3%), Goal-setting (49.9%), and Functional (64.6%) checklists varied. Most (95.1%) adopters reported offering ≥1 LIVE STRONG session per year (setting-level maintenance) and a facility-level mean membership conversion percentage of 46.9±31.2% (participant-level maintenance). Fewer years implementing the program and higher Association area household income were significantly associated with a greater membership conversion rate vs their comparison (all t-test p’s <0.05). In a multiple regression model controlling for organizational characteristics, conducting the fidelity checks (Observational, β=8.41; Goal-setting, β=9.70; and Functional, β=9.61; all p’s <0.01) was positively associated with higher membership conversion rates. Conclusions: LIVE STRONG at the Y, in its early years, has shown promise for high reach, while adoption at more Associations could be facilitated. Implementing fidelity checks along with organizational characteristics were associated with higher participant-level maintenance. Identification of Association-level strategies to increase reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance may increase the impact of this community-based PA program.

scholarly journals A Longitudinal Implementation Evaluation of a Physical Activity Program for Cancer Survivors: LIVESTRONG® at the Y.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie M Faro ◽  
Hannah Arem ◽  
Ann-Hilary Heston ◽  
Katherine Hohman ◽  
Heather Hodge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Program Implementation ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Conversion Rate ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Organizational Characteristics ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Association Area

Abstract Purpose: Increased physical activity (PA) levels in cancer survivors are associated with decreased risk of recurrence and mortality as well as additional positive health outcomes. PA interventions have shown to be efficacious, though many lack translation to and sustainability in community settings. We used dimensions of the RE-AIM framework to evaluate LIVE STRONG® at the YMCA, a nation-wide community-based PA program for cancer survivors delivered at Ys. Methods: LIVE STRONG at the Y national data compiled by YMCA of the USA and Y Association Program Managers between the years of 2010-2018 was examined. We assessed reach (number of participants), adoption (Associations offering the program), implementation (conducting 3 fidelity checks), setting-level maintenance (Associations recently offering program) and participant-level maintenance (membership conversion rate). We also examined relationships between organizational characteristics (years of program existence and Association area household income), and program implementation factors with member conversion. Results: As of 2018, LIVE STRONG at the Y has reached 62,044 survivors and 245 of the 840 (29.2%) of Y Associations have adopted the program. Among the adopters, 91% were aware of fidelity checks; implementation of Observational (62.3%), Goal-setting (49.9%), and Functional (64.6%) checklists varied. Most (95.1%) adopters reported offering ≥1 LIVE STRONG session per year (setting-level maintenance) and a facility-level mean membership conversion percentage of 46.9±31.2% (participant-level maintenance). Fewer years implementing the program and higher Association area household income were significantly associated with a greater membership conversion rate vs their comparison (all t-test p’s <0.05). In a multiple regression model controlling for organizational characteristics, conducting the fidelity checks (Observational, β=8.41; Goal-setting, β=9.70; and Functional, β=9.61; all p’s <0.01) was positively associated with higher membership conversion rates. Conclusions: LIVE STRONG at the Y, in its early years, has shown promise for high reach, while adoption at more Associations could be facilitated. Implementing fidelity checks along with organizational characteristics were associated with higher participant-level maintenance. Identification of Association-level strategies to increase reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance may increase the impact of this community-based PA program.

scholarly journals Experiences and perceptions of referrals to a community-based physical activity program from cancer survivors: A qualitative exploration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie M Faro ◽  
Kristin M Mattocks ◽  
Dalton Mourao ◽  
Catherine S Nagawa ◽  
Stephenie C Lemon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Medical Providers ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Program Staff ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Electronic Referral ◽  
Program Awareness ◽  
Electronic Referrals

Abstract Background Physical activity rates in cancer survivors continue to be low despite the known benefits and availability of evidence-based programs. LIVESTRONG at the Y is a national community-based physical activity program offered cost-free to cancer survivors, though is underutilized. We explored perceptions and experiences of staff and participating survivors to better understand program awareness, referrals and participation. Methods LIVESTRONG at the Y program staff [directors (n = 16), instructors (n = 4)] and survivors (n = 8) from 8 United States YMCAs took part in 30-minute semi-structured phone interviews. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and evaluated using a thematic analysis approach. Results and Discussion Program staff themes included: 1) Program awareness should be further developed for both the general public and medical providers; 2) Strong relationships with medical providers increased program referrals; 3) Electronic referral systems between providers and LIVESTRONG would help to streamline the referral process; and 4) Bi-directional communication between program staff and medical providers is key to providing patient progress updates. Survivor themes included: 1) Survivors trust their medical team and the information they provide about physical activity; 2) Providers need to incorporate an action plan and referrals for survivors to be active once treatments are completed; and 3) Personal experiences of those who participated in LIVESTRONG resonate with survivors and increase participation. Conclusions LIVESTRONG staff reported the need for an integrated electronic referral system and bi-directional communication with providers about participant progress. Survivors want physical activity education, electronic referrals and follow-up from their healthcare team, coupled with peer support from other survivors. Cancer care provider knowledge and electronic referrals during and after treatment may expedite and increase participation in this community-based program.

scholarly journals Integrating Physical Activity Into Clinical Cancer Care

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-223
Author(s):  
Nathan H. Parker ◽  
Katherine R. Arlinghaus ◽  
Craig A. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Exercise Prescription ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Important Target ◽  
Health And Well Being

Physical activity is an important target for improving health and well-being among cancer survivors. Cancer clinicians are uniquely positioned to promote physical activity among survivors through follow-up visits for treatment planning and surveillance. Providers should prioritize assessment of guideline-concordant physical activity and facilitate achievement of physical activity guidelines through exercise prescription, goal setting, addressing barriers, and capitalizing on support systems.

scholarly journals QUALITY OF LIFE IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS: AN ASSESSMENT OF INTERNATIONAL BREAST CANCER DRAGON BOAT RACERS

Lymphology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Koehler ◽  
S Rosenberg ◽  
J Cater ◽  
K Mikolajczyk ◽  
A Moran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Dragon Boat ◽  
Boat Racing

Resistance exercise is deemed safe for women recovering from conventional breast cancer therapies but few clinicians are aware that dragon boat racing, as a form of resistive exercise, is available to the breast cancer community. The objectives of this study were to 1) increase clinician awareness of dragon boat racing (DBR) in breast cancer survivors as a community-based physical activity, and 2) evaluate quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer survivors with or without lymphedema who participate in DBR. This prospective, observational study surveyed 1,069 international breast cancer dragon boat racers from eight countries to compare function, activity, and participation in women with and without self-reported lymphedema using the Lymph-ICF questionnaire. Seventy-one percent of women (n=758) completed the questionnaires. Results revealed significantly higher Lymph-ICF scores in the lymphedema participants, signifying reduced QOL, when compared to the nonlymphedema participants (p&lt;0.05), except for "go on vacation" for which no statistical difference was reported (p=0.20). International breast cancer survivors with lymphedema participating in DBR at an international competition had reduced function, limited activity, and restricted participation compared to participants without lymphedema. Clinicians should consider utilizing DBR as a community-based activity to support exercise and physical activity after a breast cancer diagnosis.

scholarly journals Qualitative Evaluation of a Community-Based Physical Activity and Yoga Program for Men Living With Prostate Cancer: Survivor Perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 216495611983748 ◽  
Author(s):  
SN Culos-Reed ◽  
M Dew ◽  
J Shank ◽  
DM Langelier ◽  
M McDonough
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Program Improvement ◽  
Patient Perspectives ◽  
Effective Characteristics ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Prostate Cancer Survivors ◽  
Positive Effects

Purpose Physical activity (PA) programs for prostate cancer survivors have positive effects on many aspects of health-related quality of life. Translating this research into sustainable community-based settings is necessary to ensure access to programs for survivors. This study examines patient perspectives in the community-based TrueNTH Lifestyle Management (TrueNTH LM) program in Calgary, Canada. Methods Eleven men from programs at civic wellness centers participated in 2 small semistructured focus groups (n = 5 and 6) at the University of Calgary. Motivation for program initiation and adherence, benefits and barriers to participation, and individual satisfaction and feedback on program improvement were discussed. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed using thematic methodology guided by a pragmatic philosophy on the patient experience in the program. Results Themes identified included perceived benefits of participating (physical, psychological, and social), facilitators for involvement in the PA program (program design, initial free access, tailored to prostate cancer specific needs, psychosocial environment), and opportunities for improvement and sustainability (exercise as a part of standard care, cost structure, home-based options). Conclusions These findings provide valuable insight into patient perspectives on effective characteristics of prostate cancer and exercise programs. TrueNTH LM has implemented findings, and ensuring needs (benefits and barriers) are addressed for prostate cancer survivors when entering community-based PA programs.

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