Cancer Survivors' Interest In A Physical Activity Maintenance Program

PURPOSE: Community-based exercise programs are effective for helping cancer survivors (CS) increase physical activity (PA). However, for some CS, sustaining PA after the program ends can be challenging, indicating a potential need for additional support such as a maintenance program. This study examined CS interest in a PA maintenance program following the completion of a community-based exercise program, and whether interests were different based on current PA level. METHODS: CS who participated in one of three community-based exercise programs completed questionnaires to assess interest in a PA maintenance program components and current PA level. Participants reported likelihood of attending a maintenance program exercise and discussion sessions, and perception that attending a maintenance program would help maintain or continue to increase PA. Participants reported current PA levels in comparison to when they finished the program, and completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire to determine whether they were currently meeting PA guidelines (≥150 mins/week of moderate aerobic PA + 2 days of strength training). Frequencies were calculated, and a chi-square test compared responses between participants who reported higher/same vs. lower PA, and meeting PA guidelines vs. not. RESULTS: Participants (N = 20) were M = 60 ± 13 years old, non-Hispanic White (95%), female (95%), and diagnosed with breast (50%), ovarian (20%), or other (30%) cancer. Average time since program completion was M = 27.9 ± 38.8 (1-123) months. Most participants (65%) reported exercising more or about the same amount since program completion, and 35% met PA guidelines. The majority were very likely/somewhat likely to attend maintenance exercise (90%) and discussion (80%) sessions. All participants (100%) thought maintenance exercise sessions would be helpful and 85% for discussion sessions. There was no difference in responses based on current exercise levels, or meeting PA guidelines (all p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of current PA levels, CS report high likelihood of attending PA maintenance sessions and perceive they would be helpful for sustaining PA. Future studies are needed to determine barriers and facilitators to implementing PA maintenance sessions in the context of community-based exercise programs.