Moderator analyses of participants in the Active for Life after cancer trial: implications for physical activity group intervention studies.
BACKGROUND
Prostate cancer patients on hormonal therapy experience significant treatment-related physical and psychological sequelae.


OBJECTIVE
We examined moderator variables to determine whether certain participants demonstrated quality of life (QOL) benefits from a group-based lifestyle physical activity program compared to a group-based educational support program and standard care.


METHODS
Participants were 134 prostate cancer patients on continuous androgen ablation in a controlled trial that used adaptive allocation.


RESULTS
As reported elsewhere, no significant differences were found between study conditions on primary QOL outcomes following the 6-month interventions. However, in a secondary analysis, several significant interactions indicated that both group programs benefited patients with lower psychosocial functioning at baseline; patients with lower mental health and social support scores had significant improvements in these measures compared with standard care. For those with higher pain, the educational support program resulted in significant improvements compared with the other two conditions. Twelve-month findings indicated lasting effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Consistent with existing research, results indicate that group interventions benefit cancer patients with limitations in psychosocial functioning. Findings underscore the importance of physical activity/exercise studies to employ control conditions that consider the attention and support provided by health educators and group members, particularly when examining psychosocial outcomes and pain.
Carmack Taylor
Cindy L
CL
Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77230-1439, USA. ccarmack@mdardenson.org
de Moor
Carl
C
Basen-Engquist
Karen
K
Smith
Murray A
MA
Dunn
Andrea L
AL
Badr
Hoda
H
Pettaway
Curtis
C
Gritz
Ellen R
ER
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010807:Physical Endurance; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D000726:Androgen Antagonists