The Effect of a Home-Based Walking Intervention on Quality of Life, Body Composition, and Estrogen Metabolism in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors
Abstract
Increased incidence of and survival from breast cancer have resulted in growth of the number of women who have survived this disease and are faced with the subsequent consequences of their diagnosis and treatment. Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable health behavior that has the potential to address both the emotional and physical needs of women with early stage breast cancer. However, for PA to be seen as a viable treatment option, and for a change in routine care to occur, its effectiveness must be determined. Thus, the objectives of this pilot study were to: 1) quantify the effect of a 12-week homebased walking intervention on quality of life, body composition, and estrogen metabolism in survivors of breast cancer, and 2) develop and test the feasibility of PA intervention materials for future studies in this population. A total of 33 participants were enrolled and 21 of these were randomized to the walking program. No participants met inclusion criteria for the estrogen metabolism sub-study. Completion of counseling calls and adherence to the walking prescription were high among the walking group. Medium to large increases in PA as well as medium improvements in many domains of health-related quality of life were found among walking but not control participants. Home-based walking programs appear to be a feasible and promising form of intervention for breast cancer survivors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA460108
Entities
People
- Sara Wilcox
Organizations
- University of South Carolina