Motivational strategies to improve adherence to physical activity in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Two behavioral change-based strategies for promoting adherence to physical activity (PA) suggested to have the greatest potential are the pedometer and Motivational Interviewing (MI). However, there are no comparisons between these two strategies identifying which one is more effective for improving PA adherence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine which PA motivation strategy is more effective for promoting adherence to self-directed PA in female breast cancer survivors. Studies implementing self-directed PA which used a step tracker and/or MI for motivation in female breast cancer survivors were identified from the following databases at two timepoints, September 2019 and June 2020: CENTRAL, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Sportdiscuss. Sixteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected for data extraction, whereas ten RCTs were included in meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was performed on pooled data to estimate the standardized mean differences in PA duration and step count, and 95% confidence intervals. The number of participants meeting PA recommendations was also analyzed. Subgroup analysis was performed for three motivational strategies (pedometer combined with counselling, with print material or with motivational interviewing). Meta-analysis showed that pedometer combined with another intervention has a small effect on step count (p = 0.03) and a moderate effect on duration of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p = <0.0001) compared to controls. Additionally, motivational strategies increase the number of participants who meet a PA goal (p = 0.005). The findings of this review endorse the use of a step tracker combined with counselling, print material or MI based on behavioral change theory. This approach provided the most consistent positive effect on adherence to self-directed PA among breast cancer survivors. Future studies should evaluate differences between measures of adherence to self-directed PA, to identify the best motivation strategy for improving patient adherence and health outcomes. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO Registration number CRD42020148542.

The PAPHIO study protocol: a randomised controlled trial with a 2 x 2 crossover design of physical activity adherence, psychological health and immunological outcomes in breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: The PAPHIO study; a randomized controlled trial with 2X2 crossover design will implement a self-directed physical activity program in which participants will engage in self-monitoring and receive motivational interviewing to enhance physical activity adherence. The study aims to determine the effects of 24 weeks self-directed activity combined with motivational interviewing (MI) on (i) psychological health, (ii) quality of life (QoL) and (iii) immune function in female breast cancer survivors. METHODS: The study will recruit 64 female breast cancer survivors within 3 years of diagnosis and at least 6 months post primary treatments at Western Health Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. They will be randomly allocated to immediate intervention (IIG group) or delayed intervention groups (DIG group) in a 1:1 ratio. All participants will be given a wearable device (Fitbit Alta HR) and undertake self-directed physical activity for 24 weeks and will receive MI for 12 weeks (IIG; during week 0 to week 12 and DIG; during week 13 to week 24). Participants' daily step count and the changes of immune cell functionality will be assessed at the beginning (week 1: T1), week 12 (T2) and week 24 (T3) of the program. Physical activity adherence will be assessed at T2 and T3. Participants will also complete four questionnaires assessing exercise self-regulation (BREQ2), exercise barrier and task self-efficacy, mental health (DASS-21) and QoL (FACT-B) at three time points (T1 to T3). Linear-mixed models will be used to assess the relationship between physical activity volume by step counting and mental health (DASS-21), QoL (FACT-B), immune biomarkers, self-regulation (BREQ2) and self-efficacy at T1, T2 and T3;between 2 groups. DISCUSSION: We expect this physical activity intervention to be acceptable and beneficial to the participants in terms of psychological and immunological well-being with the potential outcomes to be implemented more widely at relatively low cost to these or other patient populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical trials Registry- ACTRN12619001271190. Prospectively registered on 13 September 2019.

Physical activity and breast cancer survivors: Importance of adherence, motivational interviewing and psychological health.

Behavioral change theories have been used to support interventions that increase both motivation for and adherence to physical activity programs for breast cancer survivors. Most of the programs can improve psychological health-related quality of life. Depressive and anxious symptoms seem to be associated with some stressors, such as the perception of breast cancer, prognosis, long-term treatment-related side-effects and fear of cancer recurrence. Beyond physical fitness, several physical activity programs for breast cancer survivors have been reported to improve psychosocial wellness and life satisfaction. However, many physical activity programs have failed to motivate breast cancer survivors due to barriers such as general health issues and lack of time. More specifically, women may have little confidence in the benefits of physical activity and breast cancer outcomes. Therefore, engaging breast cancer survivors in physical activity is challenging for health care professionals. Herein, we identify cancer-related mental distress, coping style and behavioral theories applied to physical activity programs in breast cancer survivors. More specifically, we discuss the effectiveness and limitations of 3 psychological theories and 2 concepts related to behavioral change, including the theory of planned behavior, social cognitive theory, self-determination theory, transtheoretical model and motivational interviewing for physical activity adherence in breast cancer survivors.