The Effects of Exercise on Physical and Psychological Outcomes in Cancer Caregivers: Results From the RECHARGE Randomized Controlled Trial. Issue 8 (25th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cuthbert, Colleen A; King-Shier, Kathryn M; Ruether, J Dean; Tapp, Dianne M; Wytsma-Fisher, Kathryn; Fung, Tak S; Culos-Reed, S Nicole
• Is Part Of: Annals of behavioral medicine. Volume 52:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: 645
• Page End: 661
• Publication Date: 2018-01-25
• Subjects: Exercise -- Randomized controlled trial -- Cancer caregivers -- Physical health Psychological health; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Sick -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Behavioral Medicine; 616.0019
• DOI: 10.1093/abm/kax040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-6612

Abstract

Abstract : Family caregivers to cancer patients who participated in a 12-week group based exercise class showed improved quality of life and aerobic fitness compared to no exercise control group participants Abstract: Background: Family caregivers to cancer patients are at risk for physical and psychological morbidity as a direct result of being in the caregiver role. Exercise as an intervention to support caregiver health and well-being has been tested in other caregiver populations; however, no randomized controlled trials testing the effects of an aerobic and resistance training program have been conducted where cancer caregivers only have participated. Purpose: To examine the effects of a 12-week exercise program on quality of life (Short Form 36 v2), psychological outcomes, physical activity levels, and physical fitness in caregivers to cancer patients. Methods: Seventy-seven caregivers were randomized to either an exercise intervention or wait-list control. Two participants in the exercise arm dropped out immediately after their baseline assessment. Outcome data for n = 77 participants were analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis with linear mixed models. Results: Significant group by time interaction effects were detected for exercise on the mental health component score of quality of life, self-reported weekly exercise levels, and the six-minute walk test. Small to medium effect sizes were detected on several outcomes including physical health component of quality of life ( d = 0.36), mental health component of quality of life ( d = 0.74), depression ( d = 0.41), anxiety ( d = 0.35), physical activity levels ( d = 0.80), and the six-minute walk test ( d = 0.21). Conclusions: The findings suggest that exercise may improve health and well-being and could be considered as an additional type of support offered to cancer caregivers. Clinical trial registration no: NCT02580461.