Effects of exercise intensity and self-efficacy on state anxiety with breast cancer survivors

To determine whether acute exercise reduces state anxiety and whether this reduction is moderated by the sample (i.e., breast cancer survivors versus those without a cancer diagnosis), exercise intensity (i.e., moderate versus light), and the potential sample times intensity interactions; and to explore whether changes in self-efficacy and state anxiety reciprocally predict each other as suggested by social cognitive theory.

Repeated-measures, experimental pilot.

University laboratory.

Breast cancer survivors (n = 25) and age-matched women without a cancer diagnosis (n = 25).

Cycling for 20 minutes at light and moderate intensities on two separate occasions. State anxiety and self-efficacy measures were completed before, immediately following, and 10 minutes after exercise.

State anxiety, self-efficacy, and light and moderate exercise.

2 (sample) x 2 (intensity condition) x 3 (time) repeated-measure analyses of variance revealed a main effect for time (p < 0.01, eta2 = 0.37, F[2, 86] = 24.687), but between-sample and exercise intensity interaction effects were not significant. Autoregressive path analysis using ordinary least squares multiple regression revealed significant reciprocation for self-efficacy and anxiety pre-exercise (light intensity beta = 0.49, p < 0.05; moderate intensity beta = -0.37, p < 0.05) and post-exercise (moderate intensity beta = -0.31, -0.23, p < 0.05).

Acute exercise at light and moderate intensity decreases state anxiety for breast cancer survivors and those without a diagnosis. Additional research is warranted.

Light- and moderate-intensity exercise may be a valuable alternative anxiolytic tool that also allows for the acquisition of myriad additional known health benefits associated with exercise.