Institution: | 1.School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences,Loughborough University,Loughborough,UK;2.National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine,Loughborough University,Loughborough,UK;3.Leicester Royal Infirmary,Leicester,UK |
Abstract: | PurposeThis study evaluated the effectiveness of a self-managed home-based moderate intensity walking intervention on psychosocial health outcomes among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.MethodsThe randomised controlled trial compared a self-managed, home-based walking intervention to usual care alone among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Outcome measures included changes in self-report measures of anxiety, depression, fatigue, self-esteem, mood and physical activity. Fifty participants were randomised to either the intervention group (n?=?25), who received 12 weeks of moderate intensity walking, or the control group (n?=?25) mid-way through chemotherapy. Participants in the intervention group were provided with a pedometer and were asked to set goals and keep weekly diaries outlining the duration, intensity and exertion of their walking. Levels of psychosocial functioning and physical activity were assessed pre- and post-intervention in both groups.ResultsThe intervention had positive effects on fatigue (F?=?5.77, p?=?0.02), self-esteem (F?=?8.93, p?≤?0.001), mood (F?=?4.73, p?=?0.03) and levels of physical activity (x 2?=?17.15, p?=?0.0011) but not anxiety (F?=?0.90, p?=?0.35) and depression (F?=?0.26, p?=?0.60) as assessed using the HADS. We found an 80 % adherence rate to completing the 12-week intervention and recording weekly logs.ConclusionThis self-managed, home-based intervention was beneficial for improving psychosocial well-being and levels of physical activity among breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN50709297. |