Effects of the community-based Wellspring Cancer Exercise Program on functional and psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors

Study protocol - assessing parkrun for walking rehabilitation for people living with, and beyond, cancer: acceptability, adherence, social support and physical function

INTRODUCTION

Due to a variety of barriers, the majority of cancer survivors do not do enough physical activity to meet current recommendations. This study will assess the feasibility of participation in parkrun walk-run events as a novel mode of community rehabilitation exercise.

METHODS

This protocol describes a single-arm intervention study with participants acting as their own controls. The study accepts adults diagnosed with any type of cancer, undergoing treatment or in remission. Participants must be able to walk and have medical clearance to exercise. A sample of 100 participants will be recruited across the Sunshine Coast over two years. Data will be collected over 9-months at 4 time points: Baseline (T1); after 4-weeks of usual daily activities and cancer management prior to parkrun participation(T2); after a 6-month parkrun intervention (T3); at 2-month follow-up (T4). The primary objectives are to assess the acceptability of, and adherence to, parkrun as rehabilitation exercise. Secondary outcomes include wellness, health-related quality of life, anxiety, depression, mood, physical function, parkrun metrics, dietary intake, and diet and exercise behaviour.

CONCLUSION

This study will be the first to examine the long-term effects of parkrun as a cancer rehabilitation modality with regard to physical function, psychosocial outcomes and dietary intake.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12623000473662 registered 09/05/2023.Approved by UniSC Human Research Ethics Committee (A221828) and the UK parkrun Research Board. Original protocol. Authors SB, RB, HHW, MM, YK.

CaRE@ELLICSR: Effects of a clinically integrated, group-based, multidimensional cancer rehabilitation program

BACKGROUND

Although oncology clinical practice guidelines recognize the need and benefits of exercise, the implementation of these services into cancer care delivery remains limited. We developed and evaluated the impact of a clinically integrated 8-week exercise and education program (CaRE@ELLICSR).

METHODS

We conducted a mixed methods, prospective cohort study to examine the effects of the program. Each week, participants attended a 1-h exercise class, followed by a 1.5-h education session. Questionnaires, 6-min walk tests (6MWT), and grip strength were completed at baseline (T0), 8 weeks (T1), and 20 weeks (T2). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sub-sample of participants about their experience with the program.

RESULTS

Between September 2017 and February 2020, 277 patients enrolled in the program and 210 consented to participate in the research study. The mean age of participants was 55 years. Participants were mostly female (78%), white/Caucasian (55%) and half had breast cancer (50%). Participants experienced statistical and clinically meaninful improvements from T0 to T1 in disability, 6MWT, grip strength, physical activity, and several cancer-related symptoms. These outcomes were maintained 3 months after program completion (T2). Qualitative interviews supported these findings and three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) empowerment and control, (2) supervision and internal program support, and (3) external program support.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the impact of overcoming common organizational barriers to deliver exercise and rehabilitation as part of routine care. CaRE@ELLICSR demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported and functional outcomes and was considered beneficial and important by participants for their recovery and wellbeing.

Evaluating individual level change in physical function response following an exercise program for cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Cancer survivors physical function response to exercise programs at the group level is well-established. However, to advance toward a more personalized approach in exercise oncology, a greater understanding of individual response is needed. This study utilized data from a well-established cancer-exercise program to evaluate the heterogeneity of physical function response and explore characteristics of participants who did vs. did not achieve a minimal clinically important difference (MCID).

METHODS

Physical function measures (grip strength, 6-min walk test (6MWT), and sit-to-stand) were completed pre/post the 3-month program. Change scores for each participant and the proportion achieving the MCID for each physical function measure were calculated. The independent t-tests, Fisher's exact test, and decision tree analyses were used to explore differences in age, body mass index (BMI), treatment status, exercise session attendance, and baseline value between participants who achieved the MCID vs. those who did not.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 250) were 55 ± 14 years old, majority female (69.2%), white (84.1%), and diagnosed with breast cancer (36.8%). Change in grip strength ranged from - 42.1 to + 47.0 lb, and 14.8% achieved the MCID. Change in 6MWT ranged from - 151 to + 252 m, and 59% achieved the MCID. Change in sit-to-stand ranged from - 13 to + 20 reps, and 63% achieved the MCID. Baseline grip strength, age, BMI, and exercise session attendance were related to achieving MCID.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings illustrate wide variability in the magnitude of cancer survivors' physical function response following an exercise program, and that a variety of factors predict response. Further investigation into the biological, behavioral, physiological, and genetic factors will inform tailoring of exercise interventions and programs to maximize the proportion of cancer survivors who can derive clinically meaningful benefits.

Systematic Review of Functional Outcomes in Cancer Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the evidence regarding rehabilitation interventions targeting optimal physical or cognitive function in adults with a history of cancer and describe the breadth of evidence as well as strengths and limitations across a range of functional domains.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Plus, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. The time scope was January 2008 to April 2019.

STUDY SELECTION

Prospective, controlled trials including single- and multiarm cohorts investigating rehabilitative interventions for cancer survivors at any point in the continuum of care were included, if studies included a primary functional outcome measure. Secondary data analyses and pilot/feasibility studies were excluded. Full-text review identified 362 studies for inclusion.

DATA EXTRACTION

Extraction was performed by coauthor teams and quality and bias assessed using the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Classification of Evidence Scheme (class I-IV).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Studies for which the functional primary endpoint achieved significance were categorized into 9 functional areas foundational to cancer rehabilitation: (1) quality of life (109 studies), (2) activities of daily living (61 studies), (3) fatigue (59 studies), (4) functional mobility (55 studies), (5) exercise behavior (37 studies), (6) cognition (20 studies), (7) communication (10 studies), (8) sexual function (6 studies), and (9) return to work (5 studies). Most studies were categorized as class III in quality/bias. Averaging results found within each of the functional domains, 71% of studies reported statistically significant results after cancer rehabilitation intervention(s) for at least 1 functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide evidence supporting the efficacy of rehabilitative interventions for individuals with a cancer history. The findings should be balanced with the understanding that many studies had moderate risk of bias and/or limitations in study quality by AAN criteria. These results may provide a foundation for future work to establish clinical practice guidelines for rehabilitative interventions across cancer disease types.

Feasibility of Implementing Cancer-Specific Community-Based Exercise Programming: A Multi-Centre Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

There is growing recognition of the importance of reporting preliminary work on the feasibility of a trial. The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of (1) a proposed fitness testing battery, and (2) processes related to the implementation of cancer-specific exercise programming in a community setting.

METHODS/DESIGN

A randomized controlled implementation feasibility trial was performed in advance of a large-scale implementation study. Eligible participants within 18 months of a cancer diagnosis were randomized to immediate or delayed community-based exercise at YMCA locations in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada for an 8-week period. The primary outcome for the trial was the feasibility of the physical fitness testing battery, defined as a 70% or greater completion rate across the 24-week study period. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was used to evaluate processes related to implementation of the exercise program across the two sites.

RESULTS

Eighty participants were recruited, 73 (91%) completed the 8-week trial, and 68 (85%) completed the 16- and 24-week follow-ups. Sixty participants (75%) completed the full physical fitness test battery at each time point, and 59 (74%) completed the patient-reported outcome measures. Statistically significant between-group differences were found in favor of the exercise group for functional aerobic capacity, upper and lower extremity strength, and symptoms. Differences were found between the sites, however, in completion rates and processes related to program implementation.

DISCUSSION

Findings suggest the need for minor adaptations to the physical fitness battery and outcome measures to better fit the community context. While findings support feasibility, context-specific challenges related to implementation processes were identified.

Dissemination and implementation strategies for physical activity guidelines among adults with disability, chronic conditions, and pregnancy: a systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

Physical activity guidelines for adults with disability, chronic conditions, and pregnancy (i.e., specific populations) have been developed to provide guidance for engaging in physical activity. However, specific populations remain considerably less physically active compared to the general population, presenting a knowledge-practice gap.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic scoping review was to identify and evaluate strategies for disseminating and implementing physical activity guidelines among specific populations and/or stakeholders (e.g., healthcare professionals) in Canada.

METHODS

Five search approaches (peer-reviewed literature databases, grey literature database, custom Google search engines, targeted web-based searches, and content expert consultation) identified records documenting and/or evaluating strategies that had been used to disseminate or implement guidelines from a predetermined list. Systematic and scoping review protocols were followed. Risk of bias assessments were conducted for all studies that evaluated strategies.

RESULTS

Eighty-one records reported dissemination strategies (n = 42), implementation strategies (n = 28), or both (n = 11). Twenty-two studies reporting on 29 evaluated strategies were deemed "serious" or "high" risk of bias. Common guideline dissemination and implementation strategies are deliberated and recommendations for future practice are made.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings may inform future dissemination and implementation efforts for physical activity guidelines in Canada or similar countries.

Community-Based Exercise Programs for Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review of Program Characteristics Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristics of exercise programs for survivors of cancer conducted outside of a research laboratory (ie, home-based or community-based settings).

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search of published literature was conducted using Medline, Pubmed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, SPORTdiscus, and Embase from 1980 to January 2021. Where conference abstracts were identified, authors were contacted for other articles.

STUDY SELECTION

Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts and full texts of potentially relevant studies to determine eligibility, with discrepancies resolved by discussion. Included studies were reports of exercise programs or interventions in which participants exercise at home or in a community-based setting and including individuals diagnosed with cancer either undergoing treatment or who had completed treatment.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted using the Oxford Implementation Index and coded under the 5 domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Extraction and coding were completed by 2 independent reviewers, with discrepancies resolved through discussion. Data were synthesized narratively according to CFIR.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A total of 58 publications describing 34 individual programs from around the world were included. Of these, only 14 publications had the specific goal of reporting on program implementation and development. A variety of intervention characteristics and characteristics of individuals involved in the intervention were described. Reporting of factors related to the CFIR domains of inner setting, outer setting, and implementation process were minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes the characteristics of existing programs that have been reported in the literature and finds that partnerships and collaboration occur in the inner and outer settings and as part of the process of implementation. This review highlights key knowledge gaps to be answered to support the development of future community-based interventions.

Study protocol for the investigation of the clinical effectiveness of a physical activity behaviour change intervention for individuals living with and beyond cancer

Most individuals living with and beyond cancer are not sufficiently active to achieve the health benefits associated with regular physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to describe the study protocol for a two-arm non-randomised comparison trial conducted within a community-based setting, which aimed to investigate the clinical effectiveness of a cancer-specific PA behaviour change (BC) intervention, namely MedEx IMPACT (IMprove Physical Activity after Cancer Treatment), compared to a general exercise rehabilitation programme, among survivors of cancer. Individuals who had completed active-cancer treatment who were referred to a community-based exercise rehabilitation programme were invited to participate in the trial. Participants in the control group (CG) attended twice-weekly supervised exercise classes for 12 weeks. Classes were delivered as part of a chronic illness exercise rehabilitation programme. Participants in the MedEx IMPACT intervention group (IG) also attended the twice-weekly supervised exercise classes for 12 weeks and received cancer-specific materials, namely an independent PA programme, 4 PA information sessions and a 1:1 exercise consultation. The primary outcome was PA levels measured by 6-day accelerometry and self-report PA. Secondary outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), quality of life (QoL) and sedentary behaviour. Outcomes were measured at baseline and months 3, 6 and 12. Few effective PA BC interventions for individuals living with and beyond cancer have been identified. The results of this study will have implications for the planning and provision of community-based exercise oncology rehabilitation programmes for individuals living with and beyond cancer.

Reduced Cancer-Related Fatigue after Tablet-Based Exercise Education for Patients

AIM

Exercise can be an effective treatment for cancer-related fatigue, but exercise is not prescribed for many cancer patients. Our specific aim was to compare usual care and a tablet-based fatigue education and prescription program for effects on level of fatigue (primary outcome) and satisfaction with fatigue and amount of exercise (secondary outcomes).

METHODS

In a four-week pretest/posttest randomized study, 279 patients with cancer completed a touch screen fatigue assessment and daily paper-based activity logs. The experimental group also had access to FatigueUCope, a tablet-based multimedia education intervention focused on exercise as therapy for fatigue.

RESULTS

In total, 94% of intervention group accessed FatigueUCope. Controlling for baseline fatigue, compared to the usual-care group, the experimental group reported lower fatigue scores (P = .02). Neither satisfaction with fatigue nor exercise level was significantly different between groups, but not all activity logs were returned. None of the patients reported adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Objective indicators of exercise are warranted in future studies to examine whether exercise is indeed the mechanism of the FatigueUCope effect and determine the clinical utility of this intervention. This brief, engaging tablet-based multimedia education and prescription program has promise to help patients recognize the benefits of exercise to manage cancer-related fatigue.

Active Living After Cancer: Adaptation and evaluation of a community-based physical activity program for minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors

Background

An expanding body of research documents the benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors' physical functioning and quality of life, but few successful models provide community‐based physical activity programs to cancer survivors. This report presents an evaluation of Active Living After Cancer, an evidence‐based physical activity program for breast cancer survivors, adapted for community delivery to minority and medically underserved survivors.

Methods

Survivors were recruited from health care and community settings. The program consisted of 12 weekly group sessions providing training in cognitive and behavioral skills for behavior change, brief physical activity, and cancer survivorship‐related content. At the baseline and follow‐up, participants completed assessments of their physical activity, quality of life, and physical functioning (6‐minute walk and 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test). At follow‐up, they also completed questionnaires to measure program content mastery and satisfaction.

Results

The outcome analysis included 127 participants. Physical activity and quality of life (mental and physical) improved from the baseline to follow‐up (all P < .01). Physical functioning improved, with increases in sit‐to‐stand repetitions (mean, 12.5 at the baseline vs 14.9 at the follow‐up; P < .01) and 6‐minute walk distances (mean, 428 m at the baseline vs 470 m at the follow‐up; P < .01).

Conclusions

The results highlight the effectiveness of an evidence‐based program adapted for community‐based delivery to minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors. The program could be delivered to improve outcomes in diverse survivor populations.

Lay Summary

Physical activity in breast cancer survivors is related to better quality of life and longer cancer‐free survival. However, there are few community‐based programs to help breast cancer survivors to become more physically active.

The Active Living After Cancer program was adapted from an evidence‐based program and delivered in community‐based settings to minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors. It consisted of 12 weekly group sessions in which participants learned skills to increase their physical activity.

The program participants increased their physical activity and improved their mental and physical well‐being and physical functioning.

The Active Living After Cancer Program has been adapted from an evidence‐based program and implemented in the community for minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors. Participants increase their physical activity and improve their quality of life and physical functioning.

Variability in physical function for patients living with breast cancer during a 12-week exercise program

PURPOSE

To describe the variability during weekly performance on physical function tests during a 12-week individualized exercise program for patients with breast cancer and to test if the expected improvements in physical function surpass the minimally clinically important difference (MCID), after accounting for week-to-week variance.

METHODS

Twenty-five participants, 19 years and older living with breast cancer within 2 years of their initial diagnosis, were recruited. Some participants were undergoing active treatment, while others completed their treatment. The intervention was an individualized exercise session twice a week, for 1 h each session, for a total of 12 weeks. Main outcomes tested included the 6-min walk test and chair stand test.

RESULTS

A significant average improvement was observed in the 6MWT (p < .01) and the chair stand test (p < .001) following the intervention. Individual confidence intervals were wide across all testing measures with only 28% and 8% of participants meeting or surpassing the MCID for the 6MWT and chair stand test, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Despite a significant improvement in physical function during the program, the majority of patients did not reach the MCID, which could be due to large variability resulting from treatment-related side effects or measurement error.

Preferences for exercise and physical activity support in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a cross-sectional survey

PURPOSE

Exercise and physical activity (hereafter, collectively referred to as PA) preferences and benefits are becoming increasingly well characterised in cancer survivors, yet evidence from adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) is scant. We describe the overall PA behaviour and support preferences of AYAs and explore subgroup differences to inform AYA-specific research and support.

METHODS

AYAs diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 18-39 years, irrespective of current age, were approached in clinic at a large cancer centre for this cross-sectional survey that assessed self-reported demographics, medical history, PA behaviour and PA support preferences.

RESULTS

A total of 318 AYAs completed the survey. Approximately 40% of AYAs were not meeting PA guidelines, and only 5% reported engagement with cancer PA support services. Most AYAs wanted PA support (78%), to increase PA levels (70%), and were interested in engaging in PA interventions that were individually supervised (82%), home-based (79%), performed ≥ 3 days/week (75%) and for ≥ 30 minutes/session (78%), offered following treatment (63%), restricted by age (63%), and involved strength (83%), walking (78%), and flexibility (75%) exercise. PA preferences most often differed according to sex, treatment status, current PA behaviour and PA support setting.

CONCLUSION

AYAs have a great capacity and interest in specific types of PA support. Poor engagement with existing PA support services highlights the need for further AYA-specific research. Better understanding of AYAs' unique PA behaviour and support preferences can inform the development of urgently needed research and support services for this understudied and rapidly growing population.

Impact of community-based exercise program participation on aerobic capacity in women with and without breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Evidence for exercise as an efficacious strategy to improve aerobic capacity of breast cancer survivors (BCS) has come largely from intervention studies conducted in laboratory settings. There is an increasing need to translate to community-type settings, but the efficacy of those interventions using gold standard evaluation is not well-established.

AIM

To investigate whether similar improvement in aerobic capacity (maximal oxygen consumption [VO₂]) measured with gold standard testing can be achieved through a community-based setting in BCS.

METHODS

A peak cardiopulmonary exercise test (VO_2peak), 6-min walk test (6MWT), and timed up and go test (TUG) were assessed pre- and post-16 wk of progressive intensity aerobic and strength training exercise at a community center.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 31 early BCS (< 1 year since treatment completion) and 15 controls (CTLs). Both groups significantly improved VO_2peak (+1.2 mL/kg/min; P = 0.030), 6MWT (+35 meters; P < 0.001), and TUG (-0.44 s; P < 0.01) following training. Both groups improved peak cycling power during the cardiopulmonary exercise test with BCS improving by +10 watts more than the CTLs (P = 0.020). Average exercise attendance was 71% (34 of 48 possible days), but compliant days averaged only 60% of total days for aerobic, and < 40% for strength in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Community-based exercise programs can be an effective strategy to improve aerobic capacity and physical function for early-stage BCS but potentially not to the same extent observed in laboratory-based randomized controlled trials. Further research is needed to explore barriers and facilitators of exercise engagement in community-based centers to maximize training benefits for adults with cancer.

Exercise interventions for people diagnosed with cancer: a systematic review of implementation outcomes

PURPOSE

Exercise is efficacious for people living after a cancer diagnosis. However, implementation of exercise interventions in real-world settings is challenging. Implementation outcomes are defined as 'the effects of deliberate and purposive actions to implement new treatments, practices, and services'. Measuring implementation outcomes is a practical way of evaluating implementation success. This systematic review explores the implementation outcomes of exercise interventions evaluated under real-world conditions for cancer care.

METHODS

Using PRISMA guidelines, an electronic database search of Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science, SportsDiscus, Scopus and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials was conducted for studies published between January 2000 and February 2020. The Moving through Cancer registry was hand searched. The Implementation Outcomes Framework guided data extraction. Inclusion criteria were adult populations with a cancer diagnosis. Efficacy studies were excluded.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven articles that described 31 unique programs met the inclusion criteria. Implementation outcomes commonly evaluated were feasibility (unique programs n = 17, 54.8%) and adoption (unique programs n = 14, 45.2%). Interventions were typically delivered in the community (unique programs n = 17, 58.6%), in groups (unique programs n = 14, 48.3%) and supervised by a qualified health professional (unique programs n = 14, 48.3%). Implementation outcomes infrequently evaluated were penetration (unique programs n = 1, 3.2%) and sustainability (unique programs n = 1, 3.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise studies need to measure and evaluate implementation outcomes under real-world conditions. Robust measurement and reporting of implementation outcomes can help to identify what strategies are essential for successful implementation of exercise interventions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Understanding how exercise interventions can be successful implemented is important so that people living after a cancer diagnosis can derive the benefits of exercise.

Physical Activity Across the Cancer Journey: Experiences and Recommendations From People Living With and Beyond Cancer

BACKGROUND

The majority of individuals living with and beyond cancer are not sufficiently active to achieve health benefits.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore individuals' experiences of physical activity (PA) behavior across the cancer journey and to ask individuals living with and beyond cancer to identify strategies to support habitual PA.

DESIGN

An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative design was used.

METHODS

Purposive sampling methods were used to recruit individuals living with and beyond cancer who had been referred to, and/or participated in, a community-based exercise program or were attending a cancer support center. The focus group discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

Seven focus groups were conducted with 41 participants. Many individuals reported that regular PA provided a vehicle for recovery that created a sense of "self-power," defined as taking ownership and control of one's health to increase well-being. Barriers to PA participation included environmental-, patient-, and treatment-related challenges. Recommendations to support long-term adherence to PA included completion of fitness assessments at regular intervals and provision of a home exercise program.

LIMITATIONS

The benefits and barriers to PA participation for individuals diagnosed with cancers that were not represented may not have been identified. The strategies recommended to support habitual PA may be salient only to individuals whose cancer diagnoses were represented.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise is seen as a vehicle for recovery from cancer but long-term adherence for individuals is complex. The findings from this study can inform the development of exercise oncology rehabilitation programs and could support a greater likelihood of program success, thereby optimizing the health, well-being, and quality of life of survivors of cancer.

Community-based exercise for health promotion and secondary cancer prevention in Canada: protocol for a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study

INTRODUCTION

Cancer care has expanded from a disease-focused, survival-oriented model to an approach that now considers how survivors can live well in the aftermath of intensive therapy, where they may deal with significant changes to their bodies, mental health or emotional well-being. Research evidence supports the benefit of exercise during and following cancer treatments for cancer-related symptoms, physical functioning and fitness, and health-related quality of life. To move this efficacy evidence into practice, we designed and launched a 5-year study to evaluate the relative benefit from implementing a clinic-to-community-based cancer and exercise model of care.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A hybrid effectiveness and implementation trial design is being used to evaluate the effectiveness of delivery of community-based exercise and to collect data on implementation of the programme. The study opened in January 2017, with estimated completion by January 2022. The programme will be delivered in seven cities across the province of Alberta, Canada, with sites including three academic institutions, six YMCA locations, Wellspring Edmonton and Calgary, and six municipal fitness centres. Participants are adult cancer survivors (n=2500) from all tumour groups and stages and at any time point along their cancer treatment trajectory, up to 3 years post treatment completion. Survivors take part in a minimum of 60 min of mild-to-moderate intensity full body exercise twice weekly for a 12-week period. The primary effectiveness outcome is the proportion of participants meeting or exceeding 150 min of moderate intensity exercise per week at 1-year follow-up. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework will be utilised to capture individual-level and organizational-level impact of the exercise programme at 12 and 24 weeks and 1-year follow-up. The cohort of survivors participating in the study will allow for long-term (>5-year) evaluation of rates of cancer recurrence and secondary cancers beyond the funding period.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta. The study is funded by Alberta Innovates and the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The study will help to answer critical questions on the effectiveness of cancer-specific community-based exercise programming in both the short-term and the long-term. Collectively, the findings will help to inform the acceptability, adoption, feasibility, reach and sustainability of community-based exercise.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02984163; Pre-results.

A mixed-methods evaluation of a community physical activity program for breast cancer survivors

Background

Given the benefits of physical activity for health and survival, clinicians are seeking opportunities for cancer patients to become more active independent of rehabilitation programs that are small, time-limited, and location specific. This proof-of-concept study evaluated a community-based physical activity program (Curves™) for increasing physical activity among women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.

Methods

Women were recruited from a breast cancer clinic through physician chart review. In study 1, women (n = 14) received the community physical activity memberships (Curves™), guidelines, and a pedometer. This group was compared to women (n = 16) who received physical activity guidelines and a pedometer on changes in physical activity. In study 2, women (n = 66) completed self-report questionnaires after Curves™ memberships expired to evaluate the program. Study 3 was a qualitative study exploring the benefits and barriers of the physical activity program among women (n = 6) who attended Curves™ regularly.

Results

Provision of memberships to a community-based physical activity program did not improve physical activity levels beyond educational and information resources. However, there are a number of advantages to community-based physical activity programs, and the women offer a number of suggestions for improvements for community physical activity opportunities aimed at breast cancer survivors.

Conclusions

Women-only community-based physical activity programs may be a viable option to help introduce women to get active after treatment.

Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN14747810. Registered on 18 October 2017—Retrospectively registered, 10.1186/ISRCTN14747810

Gait and Balance Impairments in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

Objective

To systematically review and quantitatively synthesize gait and balance impairments in breast cancer survivors compared with age-matched controls or normative values for adults who never had breast cancer.

Data Sources

PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, and Web of Science was searched using terms associated with breast cancer, mobility, and adult until November 2018.

Study Selection

Studies were included if they were randomized control trials, cross-sectional, prospective, pre-post, or case-control by design, included adult breast cancer survivors, reported gait and/or balance metrics as primary or secondary outcomes, were peer-reviewed publications, and were written in English. The search yielded 2117 results with 29 studies meeting the inclusion criteria.

Data Extraction

Two reviewers assessed study quality by the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies to determine the strength of evidence for each study that met the inclusion criteria. Basic descriptors of each study, study protocol, and balance and gait measures were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed for the single leg stance, functional reach, center of pressure velocity, gait speed, and timed up and go.

Data Synthesis

For quality assessment, 3 studies were rated good, 16 fair, and 10 poor. The meta-analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in single leg stance between breast cancer survivors and those who never had breast cancer (P=.33). Pooled values of the functional reach task (22.16cm; 95% CI, 8.98-35.33) and center of pressure velocity (1.2cm/s; 95% CI, 0.87-1.55) suggest balance impairment in breast cancer survivors when compared with normative values. Breast cancer survivors also performed worse than those who never had breast cancer in challenging balance conditions that reduced sensory information or altered base of support. Pooled gait speed at a usual speed (0.91m/s; 95% CI, 0.2-1.6), fast speed across a short distance (1.2m/s; 95% CI, 0.31-2.1), and fast gait speed across a long distance (1.65m/s; 95% CI, 1.64-1.66) suggest gait impairments when compared with normative values.

Conclusions

Breast cancer survivors may demonstrate gait and balance impairments compared with normative values. Clinicians should consider assessing changes in balance and gait in breast cancer survivors to improve functional independence and prevent fall-related injuries.