title: Addressing physical activity needs of survivors by developing a community-based exercise program: LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although methods of cancer detection and treatment have improved, the side effects of treatment can cause profound debilitation that may linger years after treatment ends. Exercise during and after cancer treatment is safe, and it minimizes many of the deleterious physical and emotional side effects. With this evidence in mind, the LIVESTRONG Foundation and the YMCA of the USA collaborated to develop a community-based physical activity program for survivors, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article provides in-depth information about the development of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program and its subsequent spread to meet the physical activity needs of survivors across the country.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participating YMCAs engage in regular data collection efforts to track progress on organizational change and program delivery. These efforts include a staff evaluation survey, functional assessment of participants, patient-reported health status assessment, and patient program evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From the time of its development, the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program has served more than 29,000 survivors and trained more than 2,200 LIVESTRONG at the YMCA instructors. A national survey of more than 1,600 program participants demonstrates positive outcomes on health and well-being, as well as intent to continue exercising after the program's end.
authors.affiliation: Chronic Disease Prevention Programs at the YMCA of the USA in Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Ann-Hilary
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Heston
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Care in the School of Nursing, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland.
authors.forename: Anna L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.affiliation: March of Dimes Texas Chapter in Austin, TX.
authors.forename: Haley
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Justice-Gardiner
authors.affiliation: Quality Improvement at the YMCA of the USA.
authors.forename: Katherine H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Hohman
mesh_terms: D003153:Community Health Services; D015444:Exercise; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms; D015397:Program Evaluation; D017741:Survivors; D014481:United States
keywords: LIVESTRONG Foundation; YMCA; cancer survivorship; community health services; exercise; physical activity