Factors associated with cancer survivors' selection between two group physical activity programs.
BACKGROUND
Physical activity programs have health benefits for cancer survivors, but little is known about factors that influence cancer survivors' actual choices between different physical activity programs. To address this knowledge gap, we examined factors associated with selecting between two group physical activity programs.


METHODS
The present study is nested in a non-randomized trial. After attending an orientation to learn about the programs offered, cancer survivors (n=133) selected between a dragon boat paddling team and group walking program. We measured the association between physical activity program chosen and demographic, clinical, physical and psychosocial characteristics.


RESULTS
Roughly equal proportions chose to participate in dragon boat paddling or walking (55% versus 45%). Of the many variables studied, few were associated with program selection. Compared to those who chose the walking program, those who chose the dragon boat paddling team were more likely to be Caucasians (p= .015) and younger (p= .027), and marginally significantly more like to have cancers other than breast cancer (p= .056) and have greater lower-body strength (.062).


CONCLUSIONS
Among a cohort of cancer survivors who were interested in physical activity programs who chose between two markedly different group physical activity programs, the two programs attracted groups of approximately the same size and with remarkably similar characteristics overall. The two most notable associations were that Caucasians and younger adults were significantly more likely to choose the dragon boat paddling program.


CONCLUSIONS
To meet the needs of cancer survivors, a menu of physical activity program options may be optimal.
Carter
Cindy L
CL
Hollings Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Medical University of South Carolina, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. cartercl@musc.edu
Onicescu
Georgiana
G
Cartmell
Kathleen B
KB
Sterba
Katherine R
KR
Tomsic
James
J
Fox
Todd
T
Dunmeyer
Erica
E
Alberg
Anthony J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011788:Quality of Life; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D017741:Survivors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data