The Role of Exercise Self-Efficacy in Exercise Participation Among Women With Persistent Fatigue After Breast Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study

Stephen Wechsler, PT, DPT, Mei R Fu, PhD, RN, FAAN, Kathleen Lyons, ScD, OTR/L, Kelley C Wood, PhD, ACSM-CEP, CET, Lisa J Wood Magee, PhD, RN, FAAN 

Objective:  Survivors of breast cancer with persistent cancer-related fatigue (CRF) report less exercise participation compared with survivors of breast cancer without CRF. Although CRF predicts other domains of self-efficacy among survivors, the effect of CRF on exercise self-efficacy (ESE)—an important predictor of exercise participation—has not been quantified. This study examined the relationship between CRF, ESE, and exercise participation and explored the lived experience of engaging in exercise among survivors of breast cancer with persistent CRF.

Conclusions:  Survivors of breast cancer with persistent CRF may experience decreased ESE, which negatively influences exercise participation. Clinicians should screen for or discuss confidence as it relates to exercise and consider tailoring standardized exercise recommendations for this population to optimize ESE. This may facilitate more sustainable exercise participation and improve outcomes.

Impact:  This study highlights the behavioral underpinnings of CRF as a barrier to exercise. Individualized exercise tailored to optimize ESE may facilitate sustainable exercise participation among survivors of breast cancer with CRF. Strategies for clinicians to address ESE are described and future research is suggested.

https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/103/1/pzac143/6759128 

Archive: Cancer & lymphedema, exercise

Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy  Online October 28, 2022