Effects of exercise on perceived barriers and benefits of exercise by cancer survivors post treatment

Research Objectives: To investigate the effect of participating in a group-based exercise program on the perceived barriers and perceived benefits of exercise held by cancer survivors.DesignRandomized Control Trial. Setting: Community based fitness center. Participants: Twenty-four participants 18 years of age or older who had completed various treatment types (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) for different types of cancers (breast, colon, testicular, pancreatic, balder). Interventions: The structured exercise program lasted 60 minutes in duration, took a whole body approach targeting major muscle groups, and consisted of 10 to 12 resistance exercises performed during each session. A variety of resistance exercise modes were utilized which included free weights, physioballs, free-motion pin-select machines, and resistance bands. The participants in the exercise group performed the same exercises at the same relative intensities, which was monitored using the 6-20 Borg scale.Main Outcome Measure(s)The primary outcome was changes in the The Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) questionnaire, which was used to assess the participant's perceived exercise benefits and barriers. Results: There were no significant differences in the total EBBS score (128.7 ± 23.2 v. 142.6 ± 17.8; p=.20) or the benefits (86.4 ± 17.2 v. 96.3 ± 12.9; p=.31) and barriers subscales (42.3 ± 7.8 v. 46.5 ± 6.1; p=.14). However, those in the exercise group were significantly more likely to respond that exercise participation would not cause fatigue (2.42 ±.90 v. 3.25 ±.45; p=0.04), but may decrease fatigue (3.0 ±.60 v. 3.17 ±.58; p=.03).Conclusion/DiscussionAmong cancer survivors, exercise participation may strengthen the perception that exercise reduces, rather than causes, fatigue.