Change in Physical Activity During a Weight Management Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors: Association with Weight Outcomes

Abstract

Objective The study examined the effects of a group-phone based weight management intervention on change in physical activity as measured via accelerometer and self-report in rural breast cancer survivors. The study also evaluated the role of physical activity on clinically meaningful cut-points for weight loss (baseline to 6 months) and weight loss maintenance (6 to 18 months). Methods Participants were breast cancer survivors in a weight management intervention who provided valid weight and accelerometer data (N=142). We categorized participants into four groups based on weight loss ≥10% and weight regain ≥5% at 18 months. Results Accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) significantly increased from baseline to 6 months (+46.9 minutes). MVPA declined during maintenance; however remained significantly greater than baseline. Self-reported MVPA followed a similar pattern as accelerometer MVPA, but estimates were significantly higher. Participants in the high loss, low regain group had significantly higher MVPA at all points. Conclusions A distance-based weight management intervention for survivors improved physical activity outcomes over 18 months. Self-reported physical activity was substantially higher than accelerometer-measured. Findings highlight the importance of device-based measurement for characterizing the magnitude of physical activity change, as well as the role of physical activity in weight management outcomes.

Body mass index trends and quality of life from breast cancer diagnosis through seven years’ survivorship

“…These results support this finding that perhaps an emphasis on weight maintenance during and after treatment is a key component of survivorship care-planning. Rather than emphasis on weight loss, perhaps the approach and future research should surround weight maintenance (or prevention of weight gain) that involves increased physical activity and dietary adjustments, both known to reduce fatigue, increase cardiovascular health, and perhaps decrease body fat percentages[27]. Our findings support the notion that survivorship care-planning should involve the patient and should factor in age, commuting region, late side-effects, and health promotion[2,28].…”

Effect of Wearable Technology-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Breast Cancer Survivors’ Physiological, Cognitive, and Emotional Outcomes: A Systematic Review

“…Long-term health benefits should continue to be investigated, as many current studies only assessed an intervention period of 12 weeks. However, recent literature has suggested HWT to yield behavioral impacts in some populations for upwards of 18 months post-intervention [ 13 , 35 ]. Employment of long-term follow-up observations should be strongly considered for future studies in this field of inquiry [ 37 ].…”

“…Further, another study comparing various cancer survivor groups found that BCS, specifically, tended to have the greatest ability to improve physical activity behaviors during a technology-based intervention [ 8 ]. Not only are technology-centered interventions effective during experimental trials but a longitudinal follow-up study also observed improvements in HRQoL factors among BCS at 18 months post-intervention [ 13 ].…”

The Effects of Telehealth Interventions on Oncological Disease and Treatment Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Not only can a health professional gain accurate data regarding the patient's progress, it removes the need for a patient to recall past events, removing overestimates, underestimates, and "doctor-pleasing" answers from the equation which patients may give if they have not adhered closely to the program, such as the case with the study performed by Fazzino, Fabian, and Befort (Fazzino, Fabian, and Befort, 2017). This allows for the regimen to be performed on a more quantitative basis, such as with a pedometer, accelerometer, or calorie counter.…”