Telephone-Based Rehabilitation Intervention to Optimize Activity Participation After Breast Cancer: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Breast cancer survivors often experience challenges in resuming valued activities post-treatment.
• Participation restrictions can negatively impact quality of life and functional recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a telephone-based coaching intervention in improving activity participation among breast cancer survivors.
• To determine if the intervention enhances functional recovery in the year following primary treatment.

Main Methods:

• A multisite, single-blind randomized clinical trial involving 284 breast cancer survivors.
• Participants were randomized to a 9-session telephone-based coaching intervention (behavioral activation, problem-solving) or an attention control group.
• Outcomes, including social participation and individualized activity measures, were assessed at baseline and multiple follow-up points.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in satisfaction and performance for self-selected activities compared to the control group.
• No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for primary measures of social participation satisfaction and ability.
• The intervention also facilitated goal disengagement, but did not accelerate overall functional recovery.

Conclusions:

• Telephone-based coaching can enhance specific aspects of activity participation and goal adjustment in breast cancer survivors.
• Further research is needed to identify intervention components that may reduce participation restrictions and improve broader functional recovery measures.
• The findings suggest a targeted approach to rehabilitation may be beneficial for survivors experiencing activity limitations.