Effects of a multicomponent physical activity behavior change intervention on breast cancer survivor health status outcomes in a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose Little is known about the effects of physical activity behavior change interventions on health outcomes such as lower extremity dysfunction and SF-36 physical health (predictor of mortality) in breast cancer survivors. Furthermore, effect moderators are rarely reported. Therefore, we report the effects of the 3-month BEAT Cancer physical activity behavior change intervention on global health status and health indicators along with moderators of intervention outcomes. Methods Post-primary treatment breast cancer survivors (N=222) were randomized to BEAT Cancer or usual care (UC). SF-36, muscle strength, body mass index, lower extremity dysfunction (WOMAC) and life satisfaction were measured at 3 months (M3) and 6 months (M6). Results At M3, adjusted linear mixed-model analyses demonstrated statistically significant effects of BEAT Cancer versus UC on SF-36 physical health [mean between group difference (M)=2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.3 to 3.9; P=.023], SF-36 mental health (M=5.2; CI=2.8 to 7.6; P <.001), and all SF-36 subscores. Intervention benefits occurred for lower extremity physical dysfunction (M =−2.7; CI=−5.0 to −0.5; P=0.018), WOMAC total (M=−3.7; CI=−6.7 to −0.6; P=0.018), and life satisfaction (M=2.4; CI=0.9 to 3.9; P=0.001). Statistically significant effects persisted at M6 for mental health and vitality. Baseline value, income, marital status, cancer treatment, cancer stage, and months since diagnosis moderated one or more outcomes. Conclusions BEAT Cancer improves SF-36, WOMAC, and life satisfaction outcomes with improvements in vitality and mental well-being continuing 3 months post-intervention. Several moderators with potential to guide targeting individuals for optimal intervention benefit warrant further study.

Effects of early rehabilitation treatment on the functional recovery and quality of life in patients three months after breast cancer surgery

“…In our study, effects of the early rehabilitation program three months after surgery point to an increase in average summation scores in all domains and components in both patient groups. These results are also supported by studies done in Denmark, Poland, and Spain [2,17,19,20,25].…”

“…A heterogeneous rehabilitation approach with specific rehabilitation interventions and different methodological approaches are described in numerous studies [5-10, 12, 13]. Most authors reported their positive influence on the QoL of those suffering from and being treated for breast cancer [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24].…”

The women in steady exercise research (WISER) survivor trial: The innovative transdisciplinary design of a randomized controlled trial of exercise and weight-loss interventions among breast cancer survivors with lymphedema

“…The first is the use of a commercially available product (NutriSystem®) during the first 24 weeks of the lifestyle modification for weight-loss. Earlier trials primarily used diet and/or physical activity and/or behavioral modification to achieve weight-loss [79]. …”

“…This survey is a widely used health survey which has been used extensively in breast cancer survivors [73–79]. It includes 36 items covering eight health domains: physical functioning, bodily pain, role limitations due to physical health problems, role limitations due to personal or emotional problems, emotional well-being, social functioning, energy/fatigue, and general health perceptions.…”

Integrative medicine in cancer survivors

“…A randomized controlled trial (RCT) revealed that BEAT Cancer improved quality of life, lower extremity function, and satisfaction with life in breast cancer survivors. Improvement in fatigue based on the SF-36 vitality scale was also noted [15]. The intervention benefit was larger in those with lower baseline scores and less support at home [16].…”