Feasibility of a pedometer-based walking program for survivors of breast and head and neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a pedometer-based walking program for people with breast cancer and head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiation therapy treatment.


METHODS
Participants were given a pedometer and prescribed a home-based walking program that included an individualized weekly step-count goal during the 3- to 5-week course of radiation therapy. Feasibility was determined by calculating recruitment rate, completion rate, and rate of adherence. Secondary outcomes included 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, step count, physical activity level, and psychological outcomes of depression, happiness, self-esteem, and sleep quality.


RESULTS
A total of 21 participants were recruited. All participants completed the study; adherence to prescribed step counts was 91% at follow-up. Analysis found a significant improvement in happiness, as measured by the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (mean difference 0.3, p=0.003), and a borderline significant improvement in 6MWT distance (mean difference 35 m, p=0.008).


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of a pedometer-based walking program for survivors of breast cancer and HNC undergoing radiation therapy.
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Pantea Amin
PA
Javaheri
Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.
Cheryl
C
Nekolaichuk
Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta.
Robert
R
Haennel
Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry ; Department of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton.
Matthew B
MB
Parliament
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine ; Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry ; Department of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton.
Margaret L
ML
McNeely
breast cancer; head and neck cancer; physical activity; radiation therapy; walking