Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Survivorship

Abstract

Combining the evidence across studies, which consistently demonstrate that moderate-intensity activities lead to improvements in physical and psychological health, physicians should focus on promoting moderate-intensity activity among patients. Abstract: The completion of primary treatment for breast cancer has been referred to as a "teachable moment" for health behavior change, suggesting that women are receptive to receiving physical activity counseling. However, the majority of breast cancer survivors are not sufficiently active. Health care providers may play a pivotal role in increasing patients' physical activity behavior, yet physician counseling for physical activity is not done regularly. One reason for this failure may relate to the limited guidelines put forward to assist health care providers in how best to optimize the benefits of physical activity among breast cancer survivors. To help provide guidelines for physical activity counseling with breast cancer survivors, the authors synthesized evidence-based recommendations based on a review of 30 intervention studies. The evidence on (1) type, (2) intensity, and (3) frequency and duration of physical activity for this population was examined. On the basis of the reviewed studies, the authors find that physical activity programs for breast cancer survivors should include aerobic training at least 3 times/wk for 30 minutes, resistance training 2 to 3 times/wk (6-12 exercises), and flexibility training 3 times/wk for 50 to 60 minutes to obtain health benefits. The provision of these recommendations may facilitate effective and consistent delivery of physical activity counseling to breast cancer survivors.

An integrative analytical framework for understanding the effects of autonomous and controlled motivation

“…Previously established cut-points were used to calculate daily minutes of moderate (1952-5724 countsminute À1 ) plus vigorous physical activity (> 5725 countsminute À1 ; Freedson, Melanson, & Sirard, 1998), while controlling for the number of days the device was worn. In light of recently published physical activity guidelines recommending moderate and vigorous intensities (Brunet, Sabiston, & Meterissian, 2012;Schmitz et al, 2010), this study focused on MVPA. Score reliability of the ActiGraph accelerometer has been established (McClain, Sisson, & Tudor-Locke, 2007), as well as score validity against other objective physical activity measures (Focht, Sanders, Brubaker, & Rejeski, 2003;Plasqui & Westerterp, 2007).…”

A qualitative exploration of barriers and motivators to physical activity participation in women treated for breast cancer

“…Physical activity guidelines have been developed for breast cancer survivors as part of an effort to improve health and wellbeing in this population [10]. These guidelines suggest that women should engage in aerobic or endurance training at least 3 times per week for 30 min, strength or resistance training 2-3 times per week (i.e.…”

Breast cancer survivors’ barriers and motives for participating in a group-based physical activity program offered in the community

“…Physical activity has emerged as a key strategy to help mitigate the negative psychosocial and physical side effects of cancer and its treatments, reduce the risks of comorbidities and secondary malignancies, and improve overall quality of life [ 8 – 11 ]. Based on the evidence for the beneficial effects of physical activity, guidelines have recently been developed for women affected by breast cancer [ 12 ]. The guidelines suggest that women engage in aerobic (30 min, 3 times per week), resistance (6–12 exercises, 2–3 times per week), and flexibility training (50–60 min, 3 times per week).…”