title: Treatment-related and psychosocial variables in explaining physical activity in women three weeks to six months post-treatment of breast cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined treatment-related and psychosocial variables in explaining total and leisure time physical activity in breast cancer survivors three weeks to six months post-treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was used to measure total and leisure time physical activity and relevant determinants among 464 breast cancer survivors (aged 18-65 years).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Personal control was an important overall determinant in explaining physical activity in breast cancer survivors. The impact of treatment-related variables and psychological functioning depended on the working status of the women. Fatigue and poor body image prevented non-working women from being sufficiently physically active. In working women, chemotherapy and arm problems negatively influenced physical activity, whereas therapy side-effects (headaches, hot flashes, feeling unwell) and poor body image positively influenced physical activity. Social support and coping strategies could not explain post-treatment physical activity levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Personal control, treatment-related variables and psychological functioning influenced physical activity after cancer treatment. Relations depended on the working status of the women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Incorporating self-control methods in physical activity interventions after breast cancer could be helpful. Furthermore, interventions should be tailored to the experienced symptoms (fatigue, arm-problems, body image) and working status of women.
authors: Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Caroline
authors: C
authors: Charlier
authors: Elke
authors: E
authors: Van Hoof
authors: Evelyn
authors: E
authors: Pauwels
authors: Lilian
authors: L
authors: Lechner
authors: Heleen
authors: H
authors: Spittaels
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Bourgois
authors: Ilse
authors: I
authors: De Bourdeaudhuij
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001530:Belgium; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult