Effects of supervised exercise on motivational outcomes in breast cancer survivors at 5-year follow-up

Short-term physical activity (PA) has beneficial effects on symptom management and quality of life, however, longer-term adherence is likely needed for improved disease outcomes in breast cancer survivors (BCS). This study examined the effects of a supervised group exercise program on motivational outcomes and {PA} among {BCS} at 5-year follow-up. Methods The original study was a two-armed, randomized controlled trial comparing a 12-week supervised group exercise program to usual care among 203 BCS. {BCS} for this follow-up study were contacted at 60 months postintervention and asked to complete assessments of motivational outcomes from the Theory of Planned Behavior and {PA} behavior using the Scottish Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results Overall, 87 participants provided 5-year follow-up data with no differences in participation by group. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) revealed that supervised exercise had a significant positive effect on descriptive norm at 5-year follow-up (mean = +0.6; 95% CI = +0.1 to +1.1; d = +0.48; p = 0.021). Small positive effects were also noted for perceived behavioral control (d = +0.18), instrumental attitude (d = +0.26), and injunctive norm (d = +0.35), although they were not statistically significant. Moreover, {BCS} who were more active at 5-year follow-up also reported more favorable perceived behavioral control (d = +0.16), instrumental attitude (d = +0.28), injunctive norm (d = +0.24), and descriptive norm (d = +0.31), although these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions This trial provides suggestive evidence that a supervised exercise program has positive effects on motivational outcomes even after 5 years. Additional intervention strategies during follow-up may further improve long-term adherence and health outcomes in BCS