Exercise Identity Following Participation In A Cancer-specific Exercise Program

PURPOSE: Exercise is a vital part of cancer survivorship but adopting and sustaining exercise behavior during and following cancer treatment can be challenging. Exercise identity is part of one’s concept of self, giving meaning to past exercise behaviors and may influence current and future exercise behaviors. It is unknown whether participating in a cancer-specific exercise program can change cancer survivors’ exercise identity. This study examined changes in exercise identity from pre- to post-program, and associations between program attendance and change exercise identity scores. METHODS: Secondary data analysis from participants enrolled in a three-month supervised exercise program for individuals currently undergoing, or within 6-months of completing active cancer treatment(s). BfitBwell includes individual and small group aerobic and resistance exercise sessions 1-2 times per week, led by a certified cancer exercise specialist. Exercise identity was measured at pre- and post-program by a four-item scale (e.g., “do you see yourself as someone who exercises?”). Responses ranged from -3 to +3, for a total score of -12 - 12, with a higher value indicating stronger exercise identity. A paired-sample t-test assessed change in exercise identity, and a simple regression model examined the association between program attendance and change in exercise identity. RESULTS: Participants (N = 36; 71% female, age M = 54.5 ± 1.54 years) were diagnosed with breast (37.6%), hematologic (15.5%) or other cancer (46.9%). Exercise identity score increased from pre- to post-program (MΔ = .903 ± .882, t = 1.02, p = 0.03). Attendance (M = 20 ± 4.28 sessions) was positively associated with change in exercise identity scores at post-program [B = .396, SE = .124, t(36) = 3.19, p = 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that participating in a cancer-specific exercise program may increase cancer survivors’ exercise identity, with greater attendance associated with a larger increase in exercise identity. Future studies are needed to determine whether an increased exercise identity contributes to long-term exercise behavior in cancer survivors.