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Medical, demographic, and psychosocial correlates of exercise in colorectal cancer survivors: an application of self-determination theory

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Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate medical, demographic, and psychosocial correlates of exercise in colorectal cancer survivors (CRC-S) using self-determination theory (SDT).

Methods

Participants were 414 CRC-S who completed a mailed survey that assessed self-reported exercise, medical and demographic variables, and SDT constructs consisting of behavioral regulation for exercise, psychological needs satisfaction in exercise (PNSE), and perceived autonomy support (PAS).

Results

CRC-S with less education were significantly less likely to meet exercise guidelines (21 vs 31%; p < 0.001). Path analysis indicated that SDT and education explained 16% of the variance in exercise behavior with identified regulation (β = 0.17, p = 0.031), introjected regulation (β = 0.14, p = 0.006), and education (β = 0.16, p < 0.001) each making a significant independent contribution.

Conclusions

Few medical and demographic factors are correlates of regular exercise in CRC-S, but SDT provided a good understanding of exercise behavior in this population. Exercise behavior change interventions incorporating principles of SDT may have utility for promoting exercise and improving outcomes in this important population of cancer survivors.

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Acknowledgments

This project was funded by the University of Alberta–Social Sciences Research Grant Program. Ms. Peddle is supported by a Full Time Health Research Studentship from the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. Dr. Courneya is supported by the Canada Research Chairs Program and a Research Team Grant from the National Cancer Institute of Canada with funds from the Canadian Cancer Society and the Sociobehavioral Cancer Research Network. Dr. Plotnikoff and Wild are supported by Health Scholar Awards from the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and New Investigator Awards from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. We would also like to thank the staff at the Alberta Cancer Registry staff for their assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

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

    Carolyn J. Peddle, Ronald C. Plotnikoff & Kerry S. Courneya

  2. Center for Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Ronald C. Plotnikoff & T. Cameron Wild

  3. Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Heather-Jane Au

Authors
  1. Carolyn J. Peddle
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  2. Ronald C. Plotnikoff
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  3. T. Cameron Wild
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  4. Heather-Jane Au
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  5. Kerry S. Courneya
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Correspondence to Kerry S. Courneya.

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Peddle, C.J., Plotnikoff, R.C., Wild, T.C. et al. Medical, demographic, and psychosocial correlates of exercise in colorectal cancer survivors: an application of self-determination theory. Support Care Cancer 16, 9–17 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0272-5

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