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Community-based FitSTEPS for life exercise program for persons with cancer: 5-year evaluation
Barbara K Haas1, Gary Kimmel, Melinda Hermanns
1The University of Texas at Tyler, and Cancer Foundation for Life, Tyler, TX 75799, USA. bhaas@uttyler.edu
Journal of Oncology Practice
|April 20, 2013
Summary
Community-based exercise programs significantly improve quality of life (QOL) for cancer patients over two years. These exercise benefits are sustainable, offering a feasible intervention for improving well-being during cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Cancer significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QOL).
- Community-based exercise programs offer a potential avenue for supportive care.
- Long-term adherence and effectiveness of such programs require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effects of a community-based exercise program on the quality of life (QOL) in individuals with cancer.
- To assess the sustainability of exercise-induced QOL improvements over a 24-month period.
Main Methods:
- A physician-referred, individualized exercise program was implemented across 14 community centers.
- Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Survey, Short Form, version 2.0 (SF-36).
- Data were collected at baseline, quarterly during year 1, and semi-annually during year 2 for up to 24 months.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 177 participants who completed 2 years of data collection indicated a positive impact of exercise on QOL.
- Significant improvements were observed in SF-36 subscales including Physical Function, Role Physical, Vitality, Social Function, Role Emotional, Mental Health, and General Health.
- These QOL improvements were found to be sustainable throughout the 24-month study period.
Conclusions:
- A long-term, community-based, individualized exercise program is a feasible and effective intervention for enhancing QOL in cancer patients across all stages.
- QOL improvements emerge early (by 3 months) and are sustained over 24 months.
- Addressing participant attrition is crucial for maximizing program impact; findings support practice recommendations and policy considerations for reimbursement.
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