| Although cancer survival rates are improving, cancer treatment is often associated with adverse biopsychosocial symptoms, including increased risk of anxiety, depression, and social isolation, and reduced physical fitness and quality of life (QOL) (Courneya, 2003; Howlader, et al., 2012; Rajotte, et al., 2012). Since the early 1990's, interest in the potential benefits of participation in exercise on the well-being of cancer survivors has been growing (Pinto & Floyd, 2007). Although physical activity (PA) has shown to improve physical functioning and QOL many adverse biopsychosocial effects often impact one's ability to engage in regular PA, and challenges overall well-being. (Knobf, Musanti, & Dorward, 2007). To overcome some of these barriers, the LIVESTRONGRTM Foundation partnered with numerous YMCA's establishing a structured 12-week post-treatment group exercise program for cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in PA and QOL among cancer survivors participating in a LIVESTRONG RTM at the YMCA group-exercise program. Subjects (N=47) participating in a program in Fargo, North Dakota, between July 2011 and August 2014, were grouped into cohorts based on their monthly start date. PA was monitored using the SenseWear armband activity monitor and QOL was assessed using the FACT-G. Both PA and QOL were evaluated at three different time points: end of week 1, week 6, and week 12. Overall, results indicated participants engaged in more than 4 hours of PA each day, with more than 40 minutes of moderate-vigorous PA per day. Furthermore, significant declines in sedentary activity were observed from week 1 to week 6 and week 6 to week 12, based on wear time. In addition, participants started the program with relatively high QOL. All areas of QOL improved, with the most significant improvements correlated with physical well-being. Although it was difficult to determine exact cause and effect relationships relative to participation in the LIVESTRONGRTM at the YMCA group exercise program, the fact that participants met the minimum ACSM PA recommendations at each time point, expressed a significant decline in sedentary activity, and displayed improvements in QOL is promising. |
