FitSteps for Life: Improving QOL for persons with cancer through a community-based exercise program

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  • Barbara K. Haas, PhD, RN; Gary Kimmel, MD

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http://hdl.handle.net/10755/201756
Abstract

Purpose: Exercise has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on the lives of persons with cancer. Most studies have been limited to early stage disease or have been conducted over a short time frame. Exercise maintenance, difficult in any population, is complicated by the presence of a life-threatening illness. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a community-based program of exercise on the quality of life (QOL) of persons with cancer over time.

Methods: Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory was used to guide this longitudinal, quasi-experimental study conducted from 2006-2011. Participants were referred by their physician to participate in a cost-free, individualized program of exercise at one of 16 community centers. The Medical Outcomes Survey, Short Form, version 2.0 (SF-36, v.2) was used to assess QOL. Data collection took place at baseline, every three months during year-one, and every six months during year-two.

Results: Participants (n=701) included persons at all stages of different cancer diagnoses. One-way ANOVA analysis supported the positive impact of exercise on QOL over time as predicted by the model. Significant subscale scores of the SF-36, including physical function (F=7.33, p <. 001); role physical (F=11.74, p < .001); bodily pain (F=4.08, p <.001); vitality (F=14.19, p <.001); social function (F=14.05, p < .001); role emotional (F=7.41, p < .001); mental health (F=7.99 p < .001); and general health (F=6.03, p < .001), were sustainable over time.

Conclusion: This research introduces the concept of a cost-free long-term community-based program of individualized exercise as a feasible and effective intervention to improve the QOL for persons with all stages of cancer. Improvements, noted at the three-month time point, appear to be sustainable for extended time (24 months). Results from this study have significance for practice recommendations and health policy reimbursement issues.

Description

41st Biennial Convention - 29 October-2 November 2011. Theme: People and Knowledge: Connecting for Global Health. Held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center.

Repository Posting Date
2012-01-11T10:51:07Z
Notes

Items submitted to a conference/event were evaluated/peer-reviewed at the time of abstract submission to the event. No other peer-review was provided prior to submission to the Henderson Repository, unless otherwise noted.

Type Information
TypePresentation
AcquisitionProxy-submission
Review TypeAbstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
FormatText-based Document
Category Information
Evidence LevelN/A
Research ApproachN/A
KeywordsExercise;
Community-Based;
Cancer
Conference Information
Name41st Biennial Convention: People and Knowledge: Connecting for Global Health
HostSigma Theta Tau International
LocationGrapevine, Texas USA
Date2011
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