Randomized pilot test of a simultaneous stage-matched exercise and diet intervention for breast cancer survivors
Authors
Soo Hyun Kim ; Mi Soon Shin ; Han Sul Lee ; Eun Sook Lee ; Jung Sil Ro ; Han Sung Kang ; Seok Won Kim ; Won Hee Lee ; Hee Soon Kim ; Chun Ja Kim ; Joohyung Kim ; Young Ho Yun
Adult ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms*/nursing ; Breast Neoplasms*/psychology ; Breast Neoplasms*/therapy ; Diet ; Exercise* ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Life Style ; Middle Aged ; Motivation ; Oncology Nursing/methods* ; Oncology Nursing/organization & administration* ; Outpatients ; Program Evaluation ; Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Survivors
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a simultaneous stage-matched exercise and diet (SSED) intervention in breast cancer survivors.
DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial.
SETTING: Oncology outpatient treatment clinics at the National Cancer Center in South Korea.
SAMPLE: 45 women with breast cancer who completed their cancer therapy.
METHODS: Participants were assigned to the SSED intervention group (n = 23) or a control group (n = 22). Participants in the SSED group received a 12-week individualized intervention promoting prescribed exercise and a balanced diet through stage-matched telephone counseling and a workbook.
MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Program feasibility, behavioral outcomes (stage of motivational readiness for exercise and diet, physical activity, and diet quality), and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes (functioning and global QOL, fatigue, anxiety, and depression).
FINDINGS: Participant evaluations of the SSED intervention indicated that it was feasible and acceptable. All women felt that the overall intervention contents were appropriate, and 95% believed that the intervention helped to promote healthy behaviors. Objective data also supported the SSED intervention's feasibility (i.e., 91% completed the trial and 100% of intervention calls were received). When compared to control, the SSED intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in motivational readiness for exercise and diet, emotional functioning, fatigue, and depression.
CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results suggest that the SSED intervention delivered via telephone counseling and workbook is feasible and beneficial for positive behavioral and QOL outcomes.