Examining quality of life outcomes in exercise program for Cancer Survivors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a pragmatic, community-and hospital-based exercise program on quality of life (QoL) outcomes in CS. This study looked at participant data collected by the Activating Cancer Communities through an Exercise Strategy for Survivors (ACCESS). The program featured twice-weekly exercise sessions for 24 sessions. Outcomes were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Data from 89 ACCESS participants were included in the current study. From pre- to post-program, significant improvements in QoL outcomes, including total QoL, physical well-being, emotional well-being, and functional well-being were found. Three predictor variables (i.e., age, time to program completion, and functional capacity) were found to have no significant impact on any QoL outcomes. These findings and the pragmatic approach of ACCESS strongly support the integration of PA programming into cancer care, which will further support the health and well-being of CS.