A theory-driven approach to encourage physical activity in pediatric cancer survivors: a pilot study.
The present study examined the efficacy of a theory-based intervention designed to positively influence physical activity (PA) behavior in a group of pediatric cancer survivors. Ten survivors participated in a 16-week PA intervention that targeted the main theoretical tenets of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Survivors were followed over a course of 1 year and completed measures of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived control, intentions for PA, and self-reported PA behavior at five different times. While the magnitude of change varied across the key theoretical constructs, it appears that the intervention had a small yet meaningful impact, particularly for overall behavioral intentions. Overall, this study provides preliminary data to suggest that the TPB may be a viable framework from which to build interventions for pediatric cancer survivors. Future research will be required to further identify and target the key elements and theoretical constructs within a behavioral intervention.
Keats
Melanie R
MR
Kinesiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Culos-Reed
Nicole
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D001290:Attitude; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*