Facilitative strategies, psychological factors, and strength/weight training behaviors in breast cancer survivors who are at risk for osteoporosis.
OBJECTIVE
Many women who have been treated for breast cancer are at increased risk for bone loss. Strength/weight training exercises (SWTE) may be effective in preventing bone loss and subsequent fractures. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine psychological factors (self-efficacy, perceived benefits vs. costs, and processes of change) and their relationship to adherence and progression in use of heavier weights in breast cancer survivors (BCS).


METHODS
Twenty-three BCS with mean age of 54.8 (SD = 7.2) years, mean time since menopause of 5.8 (SD = 5.3) years, and mean time since cancer treatment completion of 4.1 (SD = 3.0) years.


METHODS
Exploratory one-group design with multicomponent intervention inclusive of medication, calcium with vitamin D supplement, and home-based SWTE with facilitative strategies by nurses and personal exercise trainers based on the Transtheoretical Model.


RESULTS
BCS doing SWTE for 6 months: (1) maintain a high level of self-efficacy, (2) perceive increasing benefits for 6 months, (3) use cognitive processes more frequently than behavioral ones, (4) were highly adherent to the SWTE, and (5) demonstrate that behavioral processes are positively related to increase in pounds lifted. DISCUSSION/CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Larger randomized trials studies are needed to determine the most effective strategies for assuring adherence to and progression of SWTE in this population at risk for osteoporosis.
College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA.
Carol D
CD
Ott
Ada M
AM
Lindsey
Nancy L
NL
Waltman
Gloria J
GJ
Gross
Janice J
JJ
Twiss
Kris
K
Berg
Patricia L
PL
Brisco
Sharon
S
Henricksen
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy