scholarly journals Healthy Moves to Improve Lifestyle Behaviors of Cancer Survivors and Their Spouses: Feasibility and Preliminary Results of Intervention Efficacy

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4460
Author(s):  
Cindy L. Carmack ◽  
Nathan H. Parker ◽  
Wendy Demark-Wahnefried ◽  
Laura Shely ◽  
George Baum ◽  
...  

Spouses offer a primary source of support and may provide critical assistance for behavior change. A diet-exercise intervention previously found efficacious in improving cancer survivors’ lifestyle behaviors was adapted to utilize a couples-based approach. The aims were to test the feasibility of this couples-based (CB) intervention and compare its efficacy to the same program delivered to the survivor-only (SO). Twenty-two survivor-spouse couples completed baseline assessments and were randomized to the CB or SO interventions. The study surpassed feasibility benchmarks; 91% of survivors and 86% of spouses completed a 6-month follow-up. Survivors and spouses attended 94% and 91% of sessions, respectively. The SO survivors showed significant improvements on the 30-s chair stand and arm curl tests, weight, and fruit and vegetable (F and V) consumption. The CB survivors showed significant improvements on the 6-min walk and 2-min step tests, body weight, and fat and F and V consumption. Improvement in the 30-s chair stand and arm curl tests was significantly better for SO survivors. The SO spouses showed no significant changes in outcome measures, but the CB spouses showed significant improvements in moderate-to-strenuous physical activity, weight, and fat and F and V consumption. Weight loss was significantly greater in CB spouses compared to SO spouses. Findings demonstrate feasibility, warranting further investigation of CB approaches to promote lifestyle change among cancer survivors and spouses.

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Sophie Mazzoni ◽  
Hannah L. Brooke ◽  
Sveinung Berntsen ◽  
Karin Nordin ◽  
Ingrid Demmelmaier

Abstract Background Current knowledge about the promotion of long-term physical activity (PA) maintenance in cancer survivors is limited. The aims of this study were to 1) determine the effect of self-regulatory BCTs on long-term PA maintenance, and 2) identify predictors of long-term PA maintenance in cancer survivors 12 months after participating in a six-month exercise intervention during cancer treatment. Methods In a multicentre study with a 2 × 2 factorial design, the Phys-Can RCT, 577 participants with curable breast, colorectal or prostate cancer and starting their cancer treatment, were randomized to high intensity exercise with or without self-regulatory behaviour change techniques (BCTs; e.g. goal-setting and self-monitoring) or low-to-moderate intensity exercise with or without self-regulatory BCTs. Participants’ level of PA was assessed at the end of the exercise intervention and 12 months later (i.e. 12-month follow-up), using a PA monitor and a PA diary. Participants were categorized as either maintainers (change in minutes/week of aerobic PA ≥ 0 and/or change in number of sessions/week of resistance training ≥0) or non-maintainers. Data on potential predictors were collected at baseline and at the end of the exercise intervention. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to answer both research questions. Results A total of 301 participants (52%) completed the data assessments. A main effect of BCTs on PA maintenance was found (OR = 1.80, 95%CI [1.05–3.08]) at 12-month follow-up. Participants reporting higher health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) (OR = 1.03, 95%CI [1.00–1.06] and higher exercise motivation (OR = 1.02, 95%CI [1.00–1.04]) at baseline were more likely to maintain PA levels at 12-month follow-up. Participants with higher exercise expectations (OR = 0.88, 95%CI [0.78–0.99]) and a history of tobacco use at baseline (OR = 0.43, 95%CI [0.21–0.86]) were less likely to maintain PA levels at 12-month follow-up. Finally, participants with greater BMI increases over the course of the exercise intervention (OR = 0.63, 95%CI [0.44–0.90]) were less likely to maintain their PA levels at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions Self-regulatory BCTs improved PA maintenance at 12-month follow-up and can be recommended to cancer survivors for long-term PA maintenance. Such support should be considered especially for patients with low HRQoL, low exercise motivation, high exercise expectations or with a history of tobacco use at the start of their cancer treatment, as well as for those gaining weight during their treatment. However, more experimental studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of individual or combinations of BCTs in broader clinical populations. Trial registration NCT02473003 (10/10/2014).


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 785-791
Author(s):  
Heather J. Leach ◽  
Katie B. Potter ◽  
Mary C. Hidde

Background: To maintain increases in physical activity (PA), interventions that implement group dynamics principles and strategies with the intent of enhancing group cohesion may be advantageous. This study examined group cohesion and PA following a group dynamics-based PA intervention among breast cancer survivors. Methods: The study was designed as a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing an 8-week group dynamics-based intervention with an individually supervised intervention. Group cohesion was measured by the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire, and PA was measured at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up using a self-report questionnaire and pedometer. Results: Group cohesion levels were high following the intervention and positively associated with PA at 3-month follow-up (ranger = .182–.555). At 3-month follow-up, 91.7% of participants in the group-dynamics-based intervention (n = 12) were classified as moderately active or greater, compared with 54.5% in the individually supervised intervention (n = 11). Conclusions: These results suggest that, for breast cancer survivors, peer support and fostering group cohesion as part of an exercise program may help to support PA following the completion of a structured intervention. A larger trial with longer follow-up is needed to establish comparative efficacy for a group-dynamics-based exercise intervention to enhance long-term PA adherence in breast cancer survivors.


Author(s):  
Roxanne Gal ◽  
Evelyn M. Monninkhof ◽  
Carla H. van Gils ◽  
Rolf H. H. Groenwold ◽  
Sjoerd G. Elias ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose The Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design aims to overcome problems faced in conventional RCTs. We evaluated the TwiCs design when estimating the effect of exercise on quality of life (QoL) and fatigue in inactive breast cancer survivors. Methods UMBRELLA Fit was conducted within the prospective UMBRELLA breast cancer cohort. Patients provided consent for future randomization at cohort entry. We randomized inactive patients 12–18 months after cohort enrollment. The intervention group (n = 130) was offered a 12-week supervised exercise intervention. The control group (n = 130) was not informed and received usual care. Six-month exercise effects on QoL and fatigue as measured in the cohort were analyzed with intention-to-treat (ITT), instrumental variable (IV), and propensity scores (PS) analyses. Results Fifty-two percent (n = 68) of inactive patients accepted the intervention. Physical activity increased in patients in the intervention group, but not in the control group. We found no benefit of exercise for dimensions of QoL (ITT difference global QoL: 0.8, 95% CI = − 2.2; 3.8) and fatigue, except for a small beneficial effect on physical fatigue (ITT difference: − 1.1, 95% CI = − 1.8; − 0.3; IV: − 1.9, 95% CI = − 3.3; − 0.5, PS: − 1.2, 95% CI = − 2.3; − 0.2). Conclusion TwiCs gave insight into exercise intervention acceptance: about half of inactive breast cancer survivors accepted the offer and increased physical activity levels. The offer resulted in no improvement on QoL, and a small beneficial effect on physical fatigue. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register (NTR5482/NL.52062.041.15), date of registration: December 07, 2015.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 1455-1463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline O Terranova ◽  
Sheleigh P Lawler ◽  
Kym Spathonis ◽  
Elizabeth G Eakin ◽  
Marina M Reeves

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebenezer T Oni ◽  
Ehimen Aneni ◽  
Maribeth Rouseff ◽  
Thinh Tran ◽  
Henry Guzman ◽  
...  

Negative impact of CVD as the leading cause of death in the US is worsened by the significant burden of obesity and associated morbidity and concerns about the growing population inactivity. The American Heart Association has emphasized worksite-based interventions to improve CV health. We evaluated the benefits of improved physical activity(PA) and weight loss(WL) among employees of the Baptist Health South Florida enrolled in a wellness intervention program. Methods: Employees with two or more Cardio-metabolic risk factors , such as total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dl, systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, hemoglobin A1C ≥ 6.5%, and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 were enrolled in an intervention program themed “My unlimited potential”. Interventions were focused on diet and PA modifications. We defined improved physical activity as the difference in the metabolic equivalents (METs) at 12 weeks follow-up and at baseline. WL (lbs) was the difference in weight at follow-up. The relationship between WL and changes in METs was explored in an ordered logistic regression. Results: Overall 203 (48±10 years, 78% females) employees were enrolled with a retention rate of 89% (n=181) at 12 weeks follow-up. At baseline the median weights was 211 lbs., and mean METs- 8.6, while at follow-up the median weight was 200 lbs, and the mean METs 11. At 12 weeks follow up 38% had significant WL (lost >5% of baseline weight). The median WL was 8.4 (IQR 4.8-13.0) lbs and the mean change in METs was 2.4±1.8. Median WL increased with increasing tertiles of METs change; tertile1- 6.5(4-11) lbs., tertile2- 9(6-13)lbs. tertile3- 11(7-15)lbs. Increased PA was related to increased WL across BMI categories adjusting for age, gender and baseline weight. Conclusion: This study points strongly toward the benefit of increasing PA among other lifestyle modification interventions in controlling weight. Although further follow-up of this population to evaluate sustainability of change is needed, our results clearly relate improved PA and health.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lillemor Amanda Nyberg ◽  
Carl Johan Sundberg ◽  
Per Wändell ◽  
Jan Kowalski ◽  
Mai-Lis Hellenius

Abstract Background: Low physical performance is a predictor of morbidity and mortality. This study looks at long-term effects of an exercise intervention on maximal step-up height (MSH) in individuals with low physical function. Furthermore, we studied correlates to changes in MSH. Methods: Female patients (n=101), mean(SD) age of 52(11) years, were recruited for a 3-month group exercise intervention including 2-3 sessions/week of mixed aerobic fitness and strength training. MSH, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂-max), self-reported health (SF-36) and physical activity (PA) were measured at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after 14-30(mean 22) months (T2). Relationships between changes in MSH (cm) and age, baseline MSH, time to follow-up, changes in anthropometric measurements, VO₂-max, SF-36 and PA were studied with regression analyses. Results: MSH, significantly, increased from T0 to T1, 27.2(5.7) to 29.0(5.5) cm and decreased to 25.2(5.5) cm at T2. Time to follow-up (B=-0.42, p<0.001) and change in BMI (B=-0.29, p=0.012) correlated significantly to changes in MSH. Waist circumference, VO₂-max, PF and exercise/physical activity levels were significantly improved at T2, while BMI did not change. In a univariate logistic regression model, maintenance of MSH correlated to the extent of mixed training (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.25-8.89). In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for important factors the correlation was not significant. However, MSH was significantly higher in individuals participating in 2-3 session per week compared to one session. Conclusions: A 3-month group exercise intervention increased MSH, improved fitness, decreased risk in female patients with elevated cardio-metabolic risk. After an average of 22 months MSH was reduced while positive effects remained for waist circumference, VO₂-max, physical function and physical activity. However, regular group exercise 2-3 times per week with mixed aerobic fitness and strength training was associated with maintenance of MSH in a subgroup of patients. We suggest that such an intervention including regular support from healthcare professionals is a successful approach for maintaining improved leg-muscle strength among primary care patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (12) ◽  
pp. 999-1009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly M Kenzik ◽  
Wendy Demark-Wahnefried ◽  
Patricia A Ganz ◽  
Graham Colditz ◽  
Cheryl L Rock ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer survivors rank fatigue (e.g., decreased vitality) as their number one concern affecting quality of life. Excess adiposity is associated with decreased vitality in breast cancer survivors, yet weight loss intervention trials report inconsistent effects on this parameter.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of the Exercise and Nutrition to Enhance Recovery and Good Health for You trial, in which 692 overweight or obese breast cancer survivors ≤5 years from diagnosis, initiated weight loss interventions, and completed assessments semi-annually for 2 years. Assessments included the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire and the SF-36 MOS vitality subscale as an inverse measure of fatigue. Multilevel structural equation models estimated the direct effects of physical activity on vitality and indirect effects through body mass index (BMI) changes.ResultsWithin-person findings show that at assessments with greater physical activity, BMI was significantly lower (B = −0.07, p &lt; 0.001) and vitality was higher (B = 0.22, p &lt; 0.001). However, there was no direct relationship between lower BMI and higher vitality (B = −0.11, p = 0.262) after controlling for the relationship of physical activity with BMI and physical activity with vitality. The between-person indirect effect of physical activity change through BMI change to vitality was significant (B = 0.03, p &lt; 0.001). Participants whose physical activity was above the mean (B = 0.37, p &lt; 0.001) and whose BMI was below the mean (B = −1.05, p &lt; 0.001) were more likely to report greater vitality.ConclusionImprovements in vitality are primarily associated with increases in physical activity rather than BMI changes in this trial. Vitality was lower among survivors with higher BMI, although within-individual changes in BMI had no effect on vitality. Physical activity and weight loss share mechanistic links to vitality with physical activity potentially increasing (e.g., in an additive or synergistic manner) the effect of BMI reduction on vitality.


Author(s):  
Tatiana Plekhanova ◽  
Alex V. Rowlands ◽  
Melanie Davies ◽  
Charlotte L. Edwardson ◽  
Andrew Hall ◽  
...  

This study examined the effect of exercise training on sleep duration and quality and bidirectional day-to-day relationships between physical activity (PA) and sleep. Fourteen inactive men with obesity (49.2±7.9 years, BMI 34.9±2.8 kg/m²) completed a baseline visit, eight-week aerobic exercise intervention, and one-month post-intervention follow-up. PA and sleep were assessed continuously throughout the study duration using wrist-worn accelerometry. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to examine associations between PA and sleep. Sleep duration increased from 5.2h at baseline to 6.6h during the intervention period and 6.5h at one-month post-intervention follow-up (p<0.001). Bi-directional associations showed that higher overall activity volume and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were associated with earlier sleep onset time (p<0.05). Later timing of sleep onset was associated with lower overall volume of activity, most active continuous 30 minutes (M30CONT), and MVPA (p<0.05). Higher overall activity volume, M30CONT, and MVPA predicted more wake after sleep onset (WASO) (p<0.001), whereas greater WASO was associated with higher overall volume of activity, M30CONT, and MVPA (p<0.001). An aerobic exercise intervention increased usual sleep duration. Day-to-day, more PA predicted earlier sleep onset, but worse sleep quality and vice versa. Novelty: • Greater levels of physical activity in the day were associated with an earlier sleep onset time that night, whereas a later timing of sleep onset was associated with lower physical activity the next day in men with obesity • Higher physical activity levels were associated with worse sleep quality, and vice versa


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S387-S388
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Salerno ◽  
Pedro Saint Maurice ◽  
Erik Willis ◽  
Loretta DiPietro ◽  
Charles Matthews

Abstract We examined the association between self-reported walking pace and all-cause mortality among cancer survivors in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Participants included 30,110 adults (Mage=62.4+/-5.14 years) diagnosed with cancer between study enrollment and follow-up, when they self-reported walking pace. Individuals were followed until death or administrative censoring in 2011. We estimated the hazards ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for walking pace and all-cause mortality adjusting for age, sex, race, BMI, health status, physical activity and cancer type. Cancer survivors reporting faster walking paces had significantly reduced mortality risk. Relative to those reporting an ‘easy’ walking pace, walking at a ‘normal,’ ‘brisk,’ or ‘very brisk’ pace was associated with significantly lower risk: [HR=0.74 (0.70,0.78)], [HR=0.66 (0.61,0.71)], and [HR=0.73 (0.60,0.89)], respectively. Being ‘unable to walk’ was associated with 30% increased mortality [HR=1.30 (1.15,1.46)]. These findings provide novel support for the association between self-reported walking pace and survival after cancer.


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