Does a peer-led exercise intervention affect sedentary behavior among breast cancer survivors?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Sedentary behavior is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases.
• Breast cancer survivors often exhibit high levels of sedentary behavior.
• Reducing sedentary behavior is crucial for improving health outcomes in cancer survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a telephone-delivered exercise intervention on sedentary behavior (sitting time) in breast cancer survivors.
• To determine if an exercise program, not specifically targeting sitting time, can reduce sedentary behavior.
• To analyze changes in sitting time at 12 and 24 weeks post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-six breast cancer survivors were randomized into an exercise intervention or control group.
• The intervention involved a 12-week telephone-delivered program by peer volunteers.
• Sedentary behavior was measured using self-report and accelerometers at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks.

Main Results:

• Baseline sitting time was 7.75 hours/day (self-report) and 10.98 hours/day (accelerometer).
• Significant positive correlations were found between self-reported and objectively measured sitting time.
• No significant changes in sitting time or intervention effects were observed at 12 or 24 weeks.

Conclusions:

• The exercise intervention, without specific focus on sitting time, did not reduce sedentary behavior in breast cancer survivors.
• Targeted interventions addressing sitting behavior are required to effectively reduce sedentary time in this population.
• Further research should explore strategies to decrease sedentary behavior for improved survivorship health.