Motivation, exercise, and stress in breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose Reduced stress and reduced risk of cancer recurrence are among the many benefits of physical activity (PA) for cancer survivors. Exercise behaviors are linked to motivational factors. We investigated the associations between motivational profile, self-reported levels of PA and stress and mental functioning in 94 post-treatment breast cancer survivors who voluntarily enrolled in an exercise program. Methods Participants completed Apter Motivational Style Profile (AMSP), Life Time of Physical Activity (LTPA) Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Medical Outcomes Short Form SF-36® (SF-36), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and provided 10 saliva specimens (to measure cortisol levels). PA levels were calculated in metabolic equivalent hours per week (MET-hrs/wk). Results Participants reported high levels of current and historical PA (M = 39.2 MET-hrs/wk, SD = 39.7; M = 14.2 MET-hrs/wk, SD = 15.4, respectively). They also reported high levels of stress (M = 33.6, SD = 4.5) coupled with low mental functionality as measured by SF-36 Mental Components Scale (MCS) (M = 44.4, SD = 8.8). PSS was negatively associated with MCS (r = −0.27, p = 0.009). Salivary cortisol was not associated with any measure. Participants had a conformist (“follow rules”) and alloic (“about others”) motivational profile. No motivational, exercise history or stress variables were associated with current PA. Conclusions As expected, participants reported higher levels of stress and lower mental functioning. Participants presented a unique motivational profile relative to the general population. Further research into the associations of motivation, exercise behaviors and stress are warranted.

Association of obesity and circulating adipose stromal cells among breast cancer survivors

“…To determine a potential association between obesity and circulating ASCs among breast cancer survivors, we identified a subset of individuals who participated in a larger cohort study of exercise and breast cancer survivorship (84). All women included in this subset averaged 56.3 years old (SD=8.1) with a mean time from breast cancer diagnosis to study entry of 4.7 years (SD=3.7; range 1-12 years; data not shown).…”

“…The issue of high attrition rate could be alleviated by shorter exercise program duration. For example, instead of 6 months, 12-16 weeks as adopted in other similar kinds of exercise research (84-87) could be considered for future studies. In addition, as all subjects included in the study were breast cancer survivors, we were unable to discern whether the past disease history could contribute to the elevated baseline levels of circulating ASCs in the obese subjects.…”

Using rating of perceived exertion in assessing cardiorespiratory fitness in endometrial cancer survivors

“…Many cancer survivors tend to decrease their activity levels after diagnosis, and even for those who had been active, few return to their former levels of activity after treatment (Bourke et al, 2014; Courneya and Friedenreich, 1997; Schmitz et al, 2010). Adopting and maintaining a physically active lifestyle is an important intervention for cancer survivors because it can improve their emotional well-being (Benton, Schlairet, and Gibson, 2014; Courneya, 2003; Cuevas et al, 2014) and physical functioning (Hughes et al, 2015; Schmitz et al, 2010; Winters-Stone et al, 2012), as well as reduce the risk of other chronic diseases such as: cardiovascular disease (Kirkham et al, 2016; LaCroix et al, 1996); and cancer recurrence (Ballard-Barbash et al, 2012; Holmes et al, 2005; Schmitz et al, 2010). …”

Adherence to Recovery Exercise Program of Scapulohumeral Articulation After Breast Cancer Surgery

“…Reduced stress, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced risk of cancer recurrence are also among the many benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors (Cuevas, Hughes, Long, Ghosh & Li, 2014). These benefits have been shown to translate into improved overall quality of life (Breast Cancer Surv Early physiotherapy after breast cancer surgery improves overall quality of life, 2005).…”

“…Given the physical and mental benefits of physical activity for breast cancer survivors, focusing on the associations between exercise, stress, and understanding the motivation to engage in exercise is an important area of research (Cuevas, Hughes, Long, Ghosh, Li & al, 2014). Poor adherence can lead to suboptimal effectiveness of treatment regimens, threats to patient safety, and increasing healthcare costs for disease management (Gardner, 2014).…”