Predictors of adherence to aerobic exercise in rectal cancer patients during and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Issue 2 (7th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morielli, Andria R.; Boulé, Normand G.; Usmani, Nawaid; Joseph, Kurian; Tankel, Keith; Severin, Diane; Courneya, Kerry S.
• Is Part Of: Psychology, health & medicine. Volume 23:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 224
• Page End: 231
• Publication Date: 2018-02-07
• Subjects: Adherence -- cancer survivors -- exercise -- physical activity -- cancer treatment -- predictors; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2017.1344356
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-8506

Abstract

Abstract: This pilot study explored predictors of adherence to exercise during and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) in rectal cancer patients. Eighteen rectal cancer patients were prescribed three supervised aerobic exercise sessions/week during NACRT followed by ≥150 min/week of unsupervised aerobic exercise after NACRT. Although not statistically significant, adherence to supervised exercise during NACRT was meaningfully better for patients who were women ( d = .82; P = .12), younger ( d = −.62; P = .30), married ( d = .62; P = .42), with better mental health ( r = .32; P = .21), fewer diarrhea symptoms ( r = .48; P = .052), and higher anticipated enjoyment ( r = .31; P = .23), support ( r = .32; P = .22), and motivation ( r = .31; P = .23). After NACRT, adherence was significantly better for patients who reported worse mental health ( r = −.56; P = .046) and meaningfully better for patients who were women ( d = .54; P = .38), better educated ( d = .77; P = .22), had no comorbidities ( d = −.63; P = .17), and exercised at baseline ( d = 1.05; P = .12). Demographics, tumor side effects, and motivational variables may predict adherence to exercise during and after NACRT.