Effects of Home-Based Walking on Quality of Life and Fatigue Outcomes in Early Stage Breast Cancer Survivors: A 12-Week Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Adjuvant treatment for breast cancer may result in long-lasting, adverse emotional and physical side effects, and reduce quality of life (QOL). This pilot study examined the effects of a home-based walking program on QOL and fatigue in early stage breast cancer survivors and whether changes in walking behavior were associated with changes in outcomes. Methods: Participants (n = 32) were randomized to a 12-week home-based walking intervention plus brief telephone counseling (n = 20) or a wait-list control group (n = 12). Self-reported fatigue, QOL, and walking were assessed at baseline and 12-weeks. Results are presented as effect sizes. Results: Participants in the intervention had improvements in a majority of fatigue and QOL outcomes, whereas the control group had no change or worsened in many; effect sizes were generally in the small to medium range. Changes in fatigue/QOL outcomes were associated with changes in walking behavior, with effects generally in the small to medium range. Conclusion: Home-based physical activity (walking) programs may be an appropriate avenue for alleviating the adverse side effects that often accompany adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. These programs have potential for widespread dissemination, which may have considerable impact on the quality of life of women recently completing breast cancer treatment.

Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer – A Cross-Sectional Study

“…28 This form of PA is popular and inexpensive, and can be applied in women with BC. 10,29 It can be an option for alleviating the adverse side effects of BC treatment, improving the QOL and minimizing fatigue symptoms. 29 The present study, showed that Brazilian women with BC did not achieve the amount of PA required.…”

The effects of the combined exercise intervention based on internet and social media software (CEIBISMS) on quality of life, muscle strength and cardiorespiratory capacity in Chinese postoperative breast cancer patients:a randomized controlled trial

“…Some results of previous studies demonstrated that exercises may improve muscle strength and cardiorespiratory endurance in BC patients during rehabilitation and further improve their emotions and QOL [5,[7][8][9][10][11][12]. However, there are some problems in the current exercise rehabilitation forms.…”

The effects of a home-based physical activity intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness in breast cancer survivors; a randomised controlled trial

“…To ensure consistency in intervention delivery across sessions and participants, a semistructured motivational interviewing-based intervention protocol was developed to guide intervention delivery. The topics covered in the 30-45 min consultation were similar to other trials (Baruth, Wilcox, Der Ananian, & Heiney, 2015;Matthews et al, 2007;Pinto et al, 2005;Rogers et al, 2009) that incorporated a PA counselling component, including: current PA behaviour, decision balance exercise; benefits of PA in general and specific to breast cancer survivors; perceived barriers; prompts to seek social support, goal setting, types and intensities of PA (e.g., explanation of light, moderate and vigorous PA with examples specific to participants, such as taking a brisk walk so that you are mildly breathless but can still hold a conversation); safety advice. We also provided basic lifestyle information such as basic dietary information, portion size, fat intake, smoking, and hydration in generally and during PA.…”