title: A qualitative exploration of barriers and motivators to physical activity participation in women treated for breast cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The adoption and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle among women after breast cancer is an important priority for public health and rehabilitation science. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore breast cancer survivors' perceptions of the factors influencing their ability to maintain a self-directed physical activity program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine women participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were coded into perceived barriers and motivators to maintenance of physical activity using thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women identified a range of physical (e.g. cancer-related physical symptoms), environmental/organizational (e.g. bad weather, lack of equipment/facilities, lack of knowledge, time constraints) and psychosocial (e.g. lack of motivation, low social support, low confidence/skill) barriers. They also identified perceived physical (e.g. weight management, health improvement or maintenance, increase energy) and psychosocial (e.g. improve body image, experience enjoyment, social support, positive emotions) motivators.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings are consistent with research on barriers and motivators to physical activity initiation, and can be used to develop self-directed physical activity programs that target active breast cancer survivors to sustain regular engagement. Furthermore, the barriers and motivators identified represent key variables for further investigation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study identifies a number of perceived physical, psychosocial and organizational/environmental barriers to naturally occurring physical activity participation among active breast cancer survivors that should be addressed to ensure they maintain a physically active lifestyle This study also provides evidence that comprehensive approaches that address physical and psychosocial motivators to physical activity should be developed to assist women with a history of breast cancer maintain their physical activity levels.
authors.affiliation: School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, Quebec , Canada .
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brunet
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taran
authors.forename: Shaunna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.forename: Catherine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Sabiston
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D011584:Psychology; D058992:Social Participation / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D013177:Sports; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*