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Randomized Controlled Trial of a Behavior Change Intervention to Increase Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Survivors

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background

Physical activity improves health in prostate cancer survivors; however, participation rates are low.

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effects of an implementation intention intervention on physical activity and quality of life in prostate cancer survivors.

Methods

Prostate cancer survivors (N = 423) were randomly assigned to a standard physical activity recommendation, a self-administered implementation intention, or a telephone-assisted implementation intention. Physical activity and quality of life were assessed at baseline, 1, and 3 months.

Results

Analyses of covariance using multiple imputation showed that physical activity at 1 month increased by 86 min/week in the standard physical activity recommendation group compared with 168 min/week in the self-administered implementation intention group (P = 0.023) and 105 min/week in the telephone-assisted implementation intention group (P = 0.35).

Conclusions

A self-administered implementation intention intervention resulted in a meaningful short-term increase in physical activity. Supplementation with additional intervention strategies and more frequent intervention may improve longer-term exercise. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01410656).

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by a University of Alberta Killam Research Fund Cornerstone Grant. Erin McGowan was supported by a postdoctoral fellowship from the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute (grant No. 700019). Kerry S. Courneya is supported by the Canada Research Chairs Program. We would like to thank Carol Russell and Lorraine Cormier from the Alberta Cancer Registry for their assistance in conducting this study.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Physical Education Building (PE 2022B), A1C 5S7, St. John’s, NL, Canada

    Erin L. McGowan PhD

  2. Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, T6G 1Z2, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Scott North MD

  3. Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, E-488 Van Vliet Center, T6G 2H9, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Kerry S. Courneya Ph.D

Authors
  1. Erin L. McGowan PhD
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Correspondence to Erin L. McGowan PhD.

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McGowan, E.L., North, S. & Courneya, K.S. Randomized Controlled Trial of a Behavior Change Intervention to Increase Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Survivors. ann. behav. med. 46, 382–393 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-013-9519-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-013-9519-1

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