Associations of device-measured physical activity and sedentary time with quality of life and fatigue in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients: Baseline results from the AMBER cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study examined associations of device-measured physical activity and sedentary time with quality of life (QOL) and fatigue in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in the Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (AMBER) cohort study. METHODS: After diagnosis, 1409 participants completed the SF-36 version 2 and the Fatigue Scale, wore an ActiGraph device on their right hip to measure physical activity, and an activPAL device on their thigh to measure sedentary time (sitting/lying) and steps. ActiGraph data was analyzed using a hybrid machine learning method (R Sojourn package, Soj3x) and activPAL data were analyzed using activPAL algorithms (PAL Software version 8). Quantile regression was used to examine cross-sectional associations of QOL and fatigue with steps, physical activity, and sedentary hours at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles of the QOL and fatigue distributions. RESULTS: Total daily moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) hours was positively associated with better physical QOL at the 25th (ß = 2.14, p = <.001), 50th (ß = 1.98, p = <.001), and 75th percentiles (ß = 1.25, p = .003); better mental QOL at the 25th (ß = 1.73, p = .05) and 50th percentiles (ß = 1.07, p = .03); and less fatigue at the 25th (ß = 4.44, p < .001), 50th (ß = 3.08, p = <.001), and 75th percentiles (ß = 1.51, p = <.001). Similar patterns of associations were observed for daily steps. Total sedentary hours was associated with worse fatigue at the 25th (ß = -0.58, p = .05), 50th (ß = -0.39, p = .06), and 75th percentiles (ß = -0.24, p = .02). Sedentary hours were not associated with physical or mental QOL. CONCLUSIONS: MVPA and steps were associated with better physical and mental QOL and less fatigue in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Higher sedentary time was associated with greater fatigue symptoms.

Associations between health-related fitness and quality of life in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients face substantial stress and uncertainty that may undermine their quality of life (QoL). The purpose of the present study was to examine the associations between health-related fitness (HRF) and QoL in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients from the Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer Study. METHODS: Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with early-stage disease (n = 1458) were recruited between 2012 and 2019 in Edmonton and Calgary, Canada to complete baseline HRF and QoL assessments within 90 days of diagnosis. HRF assessments included cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak treadmill test), muscular fitness (upper and lower body strength and endurance tests), and body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry). QoL was assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) version 2. We used logistic regression analyses to examine the associations between quartiles of HRF and poor/fair QoL (bottom 20%) after adjusting for key covariates. RESULTS: In multivariable analysis, the least fit groups compared to the most fit groups for relative upper body strength (OR = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.98-5.14), lean mass percentage (OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.37-3.89), and relative VO2peak (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.21-3.57) were independently at a significantly higher risk of poor/fair physical QoL. No meaningful associations were found for mental QoL. CONCLUSIONS: The three main components of HRF (muscular fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition) were independently associated with physical QoL in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Exercise interventions designed to improve these components of HRF may optimize physical QoL and help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients better prepare for treatments and recovery.

Upper Limb Morbidity in Newly Diagnosed Individuals After Unilateral Surgery for Breast Cancer: Baseline Results from the AMBER Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to examine potential associations between post-surgical upper limb morbidity and demographic, medical, surgical, and health-related fitness variables in newly diagnosed individuals with breast cancer. METHODS: Participants were recruited between 2012 and 2019. Objective measures of health-related fitness, body composition, shoulder range of motion, axillary web syndrome, and lymphedema were performed within 3 months of breast cancer surgery, and prior to or at the start of adjuvant cancer treatment. RESULTS: Upper limb morbidity was identified in 54% of participants and was associated with poorer upper limb function and higher pain. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified mastectomy versus breast-conserving surgery (odds ratio [OR] 3.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.65-4.65), axillary lymph node dissection versus sentinel lymph node dissection (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.73-4.10), earlier versus later time from surgery (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.15-2.18), and younger versus older age (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.03) as significantly associated with a higher odds of upper limb morbidity, while mastectomy (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.10-2.25), axillary lymph node dissection (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.34-3.60), lower muscular endurance (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.16) and higher percentage body fat (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.07) were significantly associated with higher odds of moderate or greater morbidity severity. CONCLUSIONS: Upper limb morbidity is common in individuals after breast cancer surgery prior to adjuvant cancer treatment. Health-related fitness variables were associated with severity of upper limb morbidity. Findings may facilitate prospective surveillance of individuals at higher risk of developing upper limb morbidity.

Evaluating the effect of preoperative interventions on sleep health in the perioperative period: a systematic review.

Surgery and general anaesthesia have deleterious effects on sleep and disrupted perioperative sleep health is a risk factor for poor surgical outcomes. The objective of this systematic review was to summarise preoperative interventions that report sleep outcomes. Studies that delivered an intervention initiated >24 h prior to surgery among an adult sample without a diagnosed sleep disorder were included. Studies were excluded if they were preclinical or were not published in English. MEDLINE, MEDLINE ePubs Ahead of Print and In-process Citations, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Web of Science were searched on February 2, 2023. This review was reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (identifier: CRD42021260578). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of Bias 2 tool for randomised trials and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions for non-randomised trials. Certainty of findings were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. The searching yielded 10,938 total citations, and after screening resulted in 28 randomised and 19 non-randomised trials (47 total) with 4937 participants. Sleep was a primary outcome in 16 trials; a sleep outcome was significantly improved relative to comparator in 23 trials. This review demonstrates that preoperative sleep is modifiable via a variety of interventions, including pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and nursing interventions delivered preoperatively or perioperatively. Our results should be considered with caution due to an overall intermediate to high risk of bias in the included trials, and low to very low certainty of evidence. This review supports the modifiability of sleep health among surgical patients and provides the groundwork for preoperative sleep optimisation research.

Depression, happiness, and satisfaction with life in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer: Associations with device-measured physical activity and sedentary time.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined depression after a cancer diagnosis and before initiating adjuvant or neoadjuvant systemic treatments. In this study, we present baseline data on device-measured physical activity, sedentary behaviour, depression, happiness, and satisfaction with life in newly diagnosed breast cancer survivors. PURPOSE: To examine associations of accelerometer-assessed physical activity and sedentary time with depression symptoms and prevalence, happiness, and satisfaction with life. METHODS: Shortly after diagnosis, 1425 participants completed depression, happiness, and satisfaction with life measures and wore an ActiGraph® device on their hip to measure physical activity and the activPALTM inclinometer on their thigh for 7 days to measure sedentary time (sitting/lying) and steps (1384 completed both device measures). ActiGraph® data were analysed using a hybrid machine learning method (R Sojourn package, Soj3x), and activPALTM data using activPALTM algorithms (PAL Software version 8). We used linear and logistic regression to examine associations of physical activity and sedentary time with depression symptom severity (0-27) and depression prevalence, happiness (0-100), and satisfaction with life (0-35). For the logistic regression analysis, we compared participants with none-minimal depression (n = 895) to participants with some depression (that is, mild, moderate, moderately-severe, or severe depression [n = 530]). RESULTS: Participants reported a mean depression symptom severity score of 4.3 (SD = 4.1), a satisfaction with life score of 25.7 (SD = 7.2), and a happiness score of 70 (SD = 21.8). Higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with reduced depression symptom severity scores (ß = -0.51, 95% CI: -0.87 to -0.14, p = 0.007). A 1 hour increase in MVPA was associated with a reduced odds of at least mild or worse depression by 24% (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62-0.94, p = 0.012). Higher daily step counts were associated with lower depression symptom severity scores (ß = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.10, p < 0.001). Perceptions of happiness was associated with higher MVPA (ß = 2.17, 95% CI: 0.17-4.17, p = 0.033). Sedentary time was not associated with depression severity, but higher sedentary time was associated with lower perceptions of happiness (ß = -0.80, 95% CI: -1.48 to -0.11, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Higher physical activity was associated with fewer depression symptom severity scores and reduced odds of mild or worse depression in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Higher physical activity and daily step counts were also associated with stronger perceptions of happiness and satisfaction with life, respectively. Sedentary time was not associated with depression symptom severity or odds of having depression, but was associated with stronger perceptions of happiness.

The role of exercise for pain management in adults living with and beyond cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pain is a common side effect of cancer or cancer treatment that negatively impacts biopsychosocial wellbeing and quality of life. Exercise is a potential intervention to manage pain that is safe and has multiple benefits. The objective was to determine the role of exercise in cancer pain management. METHODS: We completed a systematic review and meta-analysis of exercise interventions in adults with any type or stage of cancer by searching Ovid MEDLINE®, Embase, APA PsycInfo, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. We included experimental and quasi-experimental designs where pain was measured as an outcome. Data synthesis included narrative and tabular summary. A meta-analysis was performed on studies powered to detect the effect of exercise on pain. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: Seventy-six studies were included. Studies were predominantly conducted in breast cancer and exercise usually included a combination of aerobic and strength training. Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis demonstrating a significant effect for exercise in decreasing pain (estimated average standard mean difference (SMD) was g = - 0.73 (95% CI: - 1.16 to - 0.30)); however, the overall effect prediction interval was large. Overall risk of bias for most studies was rated as some concerns and the grading of evidence certainty was low. CONCLUSION: There are limitations in the evidence for exercise to manage cancer-related pain. Further research is needed to understand the role of exercise in a multimodal pain management strategy.

Matched and moving: exploring daily social support among women partnered for exercise after a breast cancer diagnosis.

PURPOSE: Exercise and social support are non-pharmacological strategies that improve health and wellbeing in women treated for breast cancer (WTBC). However, strategies to facilitate support and exercise in WTBC are typically resource intensive. The purpose of this study was to examine whether various forms of social support received from a matched peer were associated with increased exercise among WTBC. METHODS: A daily diary study was conducted to examine naturally occurring social support as it relates to daily exercise behavior. Forty-six WTBC were matched (23 pairs) and completed pre-screening survey assessing eligibility and baseline levels of exercise. Participants were given Fitbit devices to track physical activity behavior and completed daily surveys across 3 weeks assessing perceptions of exercise-related social support at fixed times at the end of each day. RESULTS: Mixed models accounting for day of study, baseline support, and baseline exercise levels revealed that higher levels of daily exercise-related tangible social support were associated with more daily steps (b = 506, SE = 143) and more light physical activity (LPA) minutes (b = 7.01, SE = 3.15). Informational social support was associated with higher moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes (b = 3.18, SE = 1.60). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, peer matching programs aimed at increasing exercise-related social support among WTBC might encourage exercise behaviors, especially among women who share exercise-specific information (e.g., benefits, type, activities).

Social-cognitive, demographic, clinical, and health-related correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in newly diagnosed women with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Identifying correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour allows for the identification of factors that may be targeted in future behaviour change interventions. This study sought to determine the social-cognitive, demographic, clinical, and health-related correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in individuals recently diagnosed with breast cancer. METHODS: Data were collected from 1381 participants within 90 days of diagnosis in the Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (AMBER) Cohort Study. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were measured with ActiGraph GT3X+® and activPALTM devices, respectively, for seven consecutive days. Correlates were collected via a self-reported questionnaire, medical record extraction, or measured by staff. RESULTS: Multivariable models were fitted for sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Greater sedentary behaviour was associated with higher body fat percentage (BF%) (ß=0.044; p<0.001) and being single (ß=0.542; p<0.002). Lower light physical activity was associated with higher BF% (ß=-0.044; p<0.001), higher body mass index (ß=-0.039; p<0.001), greater disease barrier influence (ß=-0.006; p<0.001), a HER2-positive diagnosis (ß=-0.278; p=0.001), and being single (ß=-0.385; p= 0.001). Lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with higher BF% (ß =-0.011; p=0.001), greater disease barrier influence (ß=-0.002; p<0.001), and being of Asian (ß=-0.189; p=0.002) or Indian/South American (ß=-0.189; p=0.002) descent. Greater moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with having greater intentions (ß=0.049; p=0.033) and planning (ß=0.026; p=0.015) towards physical activity. CONCLUSION: Tailoring interventions to increase physical activity for individuals recently diagnosed with breast cancer may improve long-term outcomes across the breast cancer continuum.

Physical activity and physical fitness assessments in adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: This scoping review describes the assessment methodologies for physical activity (PA) and physical fitness assessments used in studies focusing on adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer. METHODS: A search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library following the PRISMA-ScR statement. A total of 34 studies were included in this review. RESULTS: PA was primarily assessed via self-reported questionnaires (30/34) either completed in-person (n = 17) or online (n = 13) at different time points and different stages along the cancer trajectory (i.e., from diagnosis onward). A total of 9 studies conducted a physical fitness assessment. CONCLUSIONS: PA and physical fitness measurements are key when trying to describe outcomes, assess for associations, track changes, measure intervention adherence, and test intervention efficacy and effectiveness. Considerable heterogeneity across studies was reported limiting the generation of formal recommendations or guidance for researchers, healthcare providers, and policy makers.

Multiphasic exercise prehabilitation for patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer: a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study protocol.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment often consists of major surgery followed by adjuvant therapy, which can result in treatment-related side effects, decreased physical function, and diminished quality of life. Perioperative nutrition interventions and early mobilization improve recovery after HNC treatment. However, there are few studies on prehabilitation that include exercise within the HNC surgical care pathway. We have designed a multiphasic exercise prehabilitation intervention for HNC patients undergoing surgical resection with free flap reconstruction. We will use a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study design guided by the RE-AIM framework to address the following objectives: (1) to evaluate intervention benefits through physical function and patient-reported outcome assessments; (2) to determine the safety and feasibility of the prehabilitation intervention; (3) to evaluate the implementation of exercise within the HNC surgical care pathway; and (4) to establish a post-operative screening and referral pathway to exercise oncology resources. The results of this study will provide evidence for the benefits and costs of a multiphasic exercise prehabilitation intervention embedded within the HNC surgical care pathway. This paper describes the study protocol design, multiphasic exercise prehabilitation intervention, planned analyses, and dissemination of findings. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT04598087.

Exploring physical activity experiences, barriers, and facilitators among individuals of South Asian heritage living with and beyond cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to understand the physical activity (PA) experiences, as well as preferences, barriers, and facilitators to exercise, among individuals of South Asian heritage diagnosed with cancer. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Individuals of South Asian heritage were recruited via a mix of convenience sampling and purposive sampling, with outreach via radio, posters in community settings, and from outreach to participants in current exercise oncology studies. Inclusion criteria included being over the age of 18; diagnosed with any cancer type and stage; pre, during, or post-treatment; able to speak English, Hindi, or Punjabi; and self-identified as South Asian. Data for this study was collected via semi-structured interviews conducted in the participants language of choice. Interviews were transcribed verbatim in the original language and then analyzed using conventional content analysis. For non-English interviews, the codes created through analysis were subsequently translated into English, and back-translated into the original language, to ensure accuracy. These codes were then organized into themes and categories. RESULTS: Eight participants were recruited, with 5 interviews conducted in Punjabi and 3 interviews in English. The three themes that were created from the participant interviews include: (1) Culture, (2) Informational Needs, and (3) The Nature of Exercise Oncology Interventions. Within these themes, categories included barriers and facilitators to PA, as well as PA needs. CONCLUSION: Participants' perspectives provided insights into the PA experiences, barriers, facilitators, and needs of people of South Asian heritage living with and beyond cancer. These results can be used to inform the tailoring of exercise oncology resources to better support physical activity and exercise for this population.

The Alberta moving beyond breast cancer (AMBER) cohort study: baseline description of the full cohort.

PURPOSE: The Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (AMBER) Study is an ongoing prospective cohort study investigating how direct measures of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and health-related fitness (HRF) are associated with survival after breast cancer. METHODS: Women in Alberta with newly diagnosed stage I (≥ T1c) to IIIc breast cancer were recruited between 2012 and 2019. Baseline assessments were completed within 90 days of surgery. Measurements included accelerometers to measure PA and SB; a graded treadmill test with gas exchange analysis to measure cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak); upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance; dual-X-ray absorptiometry to measure body composition; and questionnaires to measure self-reported PA and SB. RESULTS: At baseline, the 1528 participants' mean age was 56 ± 11 years, 59% were post-menopausal, 62% had overweight/obesity, and 55% were diagnosed with stage II or III disease. Based on device measurements, study participants spent 8.9 ± 1.7 h/day sedentary, 4.4 ± 1.2 h/day in light-intensity activity, 0.9 ± 0.5 h/day in moderate-intensity activity, and 0.2 ± 0.2 h/day in vigorous-intensity activity. For those participants who reached VO2peak, the average aerobic fitness level was 26.6 ± 6 ml/kg/min. Average body fat was 43 ± 7.1%. CONCLUSION: We have established a unique cohort of breast cancer survivors with a wealth of data on PA, SB, and HRF obtained through both direct and self-reported measurements. Study participants are being followed for at least ten years to assess all outcomes after breast cancer. These data will inform clinical and public health guidelines on PA, SB, and HRF for improving breast cancer outcomes.

Development of a functional and psychosocial evaluation toolkit using mixed methodology in a community-based physical activity program for childhood cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The evidence demonstrating the benefits of exercise and PA in patients and survivors of childhood cancer has been translated into a handful of community-based programs, such as the Pediatric cancer patients and survivors Engaging in Exercise for Recovery Program (PEER). To support the translation of research to practice, the next step in knowledge translation is to evaluate program effectiveness. An evaluation must consider the goals of the PEER program, feedback from key stakeholders, and logistics of this program. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop an evaluation toolkit with an algorithm for the implementation of the PEER program. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three different groups (stakeholders in pediatric oncology, PEER parents, and PEER participants). The interviews were transcribed and coded by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: Key themes extracted from the interviews were split into physical and psychosocial themes. The most reported psychosocial themes were quality of life (QOL), fatigue/energy levels, fun, and cs; and physical themes included motor skills, physical literacy, and physical activity levels. Tools were compiled into the evaluation based on key themes identified as well as logistics of PEER. An algorithm was developed to tailor the evaluation to participants based on age and mobility. CONCLUSION: To date, this is the first evaluation toolkit and algorithm developed for a specific community-based PA program, the PEER program. The next step in knowledge translation will be to implement the evaluation to assess feasibility and share the evaluation for adoption within other developing programs.

Factors predicting gains in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy.

BACKGROUND: Whether individual, environmental, and psychosocial factors predict changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is poorly addressed in prostate cancer (PC) survivors undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). PURPOSE: This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial examined changes in MVPA following a supervised personal training (PT), supervised group-based (GROUP) program, or a home-based, smartphone-assisted exercise (HOME) intervention in PC survivors on ADT and explored individual, environmental, and psychosocial predictors of MVPA. METHODS: PC survivors on ADT underwent aerobic and resistance training for 6 months via PT, GROUP, or HOME. MVPA was captured via accelerometers and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Changes in MVPA between groups were assessed using linear regression. The following predictors of MVPA were examined using Spearman correlations: the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS); the Planning, Attitudes, and Behaviours (PAB) scale; the Relatedness to Others in Physical Activity Scale (ROPAS); and individual factors at baseline. RESULTS: Participants (n = 37) were 69.4 ± 6.5 years old and 78.4% were on ADT for ≥ 3 months. Changes in accelerometry-based bouts and MVPA as well as self-reported MVPA did not differ between groups at 6 months. The Aesthetics domain of the NEWS questionnaire at baseline was the strongest predictor of positive MVPA changes (r = .66). Attitude (r = .64), planning (r = .57), and motivation (r = .50) at baseline were also predictive of engaging in higher MVPA throughout the intervention. CONCLUSION: Changes in objective MVPA were modest. Additional emphasis on specific psychosocial and individual factors is important to inform theory-based interventions that can foster PA behavior change in PC survivors on ADT. Registration # NCT02046837.

"I feel like my body is broken": exploring the experiences of people living with long COVID.

PURPOSE: Long COVID, an illness affecting a subset of individuals after COVID-19, is distressing, poorly understood, and reduces quality of life. The objective of this sub-study was to better understand and explore individuals' experiences with long COVID and commonly reported symptoms, using qualitative data collected from open-ended survey responses. METHODS: Data were collected from adults living with long COVID who participated in a larger observational online survey. Participants had the option of answering seven open-ended items. Data from the open-ended items were analyzed following guidelines for reflective thematic analysis. RESULTS: From 213 participants who were included in the online survey, 169 participants who primarily self-identified as women (88.2%), aged 40-49 (33.1%), who had been experiencing long COVID symptoms for ≥ 6 months (74%) provided open-ended responses. Four overlapping and interconnected themes were identified: (1) Long COVID symptoms are numerous and wearing, (2) The effects of long COVID are pervasive, (3) Physical activity is difficult and, in some cases, not possible, and (4) Asking for help when few are listening, and little is working. CONCLUSION: Findings reaffirm prior research, highlighting the complex nature of long COVID. Further, results show the ways individuals affected by the illness are negatively impacted and have had to alter their daily activities. Participants recounted the challenges faced when advocating for themselves, adapting to new limitations, and navigating healthcare systems. The varied relapsing-remitting symptoms, unknown prognosis, and deep sense of loss over one's prior identity suggest interventions are needed to support this population.

Social Support and Body Image in Group Physical Activity Programs for Older Women.

Physical declines with aging may negatively impact women's body image. Group physical activity can be a source of social support that may improve body image. We examined how social support experienced in group physical activity programs impacts older women's body image. Guided by interpretive description, we interviewed 14 women age 65 years and older who participated in group physical activity classes. Although women experienced both positive and negative body image, body image was generally positively impacted by physical activity. Four themes described social support processes that affected body image in the physical activity context: fitting in and being inspired through identifying with others; what is discussed and not discussed; providing comfort, understanding, and acceptance; and skilled and empathetic interactions with instructors. Understanding how social support in group physical activity can promote positive body image throughout aging can inform practical guidelines for facilitating and improving support in this context.

Feasibility of a multimodal exercise, nutrition, and palliative care intervention in advanced lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Advanced lung cancer patients face significant physical and psychological burden leading to reduced physical function and quality of life. Separately, physical activity, nutrition, and palliative symptom management interventions have been shown to improve functioning in this population, however no study has combined all three in a multimodal intervention. Therefore, we assessed the feasibility of a multimodal physical activity, nutrition, and palliative symptom management intervention in advanced lung cancer. METHODS: Participants received an individually tailored 12-week intervention featuring in-person group-based exercise classes, at-home physical activity prescription, behaviour change education, and nutrition and palliative care consultations. Patients reported symptom burden, energy, and fatigue before and after each class. At baseline and post-intervention, symptom burden, quality of life, fatigue, physical activity, dietary intake, and physical function were assessed. Post-intervention interviews examined participant perspectives. RESULTS: The multimodal program was feasible, with 44% (10/23) recruitment, 75% (75/100) class attendance, 89% (8/9) nutrition and palliative consult attendance, and 85% (17/20) assessment completion. Of ten participants, 70% (7/10) completed the post-intervention follow-up. Participants perceived the intervention as feasible and valuable. Physical activity, symptom burden, and quality of life were maintained, while tiredness decreased significantly. Exercise classes prompted acute clinically meaningful reductions in fatigue, tiredness, depression, pain, and increases in energy and well-being. CONCLUSION: A multimodal physical activity, nutrition, and palliative symptom management intervention is feasible and shows potential benefits on quality of life that warrant further investigation in a larger cohort trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04575831 , Registered 05 October 2020 - Retrospectively registered.

Third-Variable Effects: Tools to Understand Who, When, Why, and How Patients Benefit From Surgical Prehabilitation.

Prehabilitation is a new field of research that aims to optimize modifiable surgical risk factors before surgery to improve patient-oriented outcomes preoperatively and postoperatively. As with any new intervention, the pressing questions that arise include what interventions work, for whom they work, and when do they work best? Given that prehabilitation can be resource intensive, and that preoperative patient characteristics are likely to produce variation in response to treatment, establishing answers to these questions is critical for successful implementation of prehabilitation in clinical practice. The objective of this review article is to describe the illuminating potential of including "third-variable effects" into the integration of research design; by planning for and including measurements of mediators, moderators, and confounders in the design and analysis of prehabilitation research, we can begin to answer practical, clinically relevant questions.

Patients' perspectives of prehabilitation as an extension of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) and prehabilitation programs are evidence-based and patient-focused, yet meaningful patient input could further enhance these interventions to produce superior patient outcomes and patient experiences. We conducted a qualitative study with patients who had undergone colorectal surgery under ERAS care to determine how they prepared for surgery, their views on prehabilitation and how prehabilitation could be delivered to best meet patient needs. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with adult patients who had undergone colorectal surgery under ERAS care within 3 months after surgery. Patients were enrolled between April 2018 and June 2019 through purposive sampling from 1 hospital in Alberta. The interview transcripts were analyzed independently by a researcher and a trained patient-researcher using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Twenty patients were interviewed. Three main themes were identified. First, waiting for surgery: patients described fear, anxiety, isolation and deterioration of their mental and physical states as they waited passively for surgery. Second, preparing would have been better than just waiting: patients perceived that a prehabilitation program could prepare them for their operation if it addressed their emotional and physical needs, provided personalized support, offered home strategies, involved family and included surgical expectations (both what to expect and what is expected of them). Third, partnering with patients: preoperative preparation should occur on a continuum that meets patients where they are at and in a partnership that respects patients' expertise and desired level of engagement. CONCLUSION: We identified several patient priorities for the preoperative period. Integrating these priorities within ERAS and prehabilitative programs could improve patient satisfaction, experiences and outcomes. Actively engaging patients in their care might alleviate some of the anxiety and fear associated with waiting passively for surgery.

Feasibility of performance-based functional assessment in brain tumour survivors.

INTRODUCTION: Rehabilitation and exercise interventions are beneficial for the physical and psychological health of cancer survivors. Current clinic-based performance status measures do not accurately capture the survivor's functioning, or rehabilitation and exercise needs. Our primary objective was to explore the feasibility of performing a performance-based functional assessment with brain tumour survivors as a means to inform needs for rehabilitation and exercise. METHODS: A feasibility study was conducted with survivors of brain and other neurological cancers attending new patient or follow-up clinics. Survivors were assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength and Rosow-Breslau Physical Activity Self-Assessment (RSB). RESULTS: We approached 40 survivors with brain tumours, and 30 agreed to participate in the study. The SPPB was inversely correlated with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores (r = -.73; p < .01), but scores on the SPPB for individuals classified as ECOG 1 ranged from 5 to 12 out of 12, indicating a large variability in functional scores within this ECOG grade. CONCLUSION: Implementation of objective functional testing is feasible in the neuro-oncology outpatient clinic. The SPPB appears to best inform the functional status of survivors with brain tumours, facilitating more individualised exercise and rehabilitation referrals.