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Self-Confidence Improves Cancer Survivor Exercise Patterns

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Study shows survivors with enhanced self-efficacy work out longer

In a study that measured self-efficacy and exercise duration among 100 survivors of endometrial cancer, researchers discovered that the cancer survivors were more likely to participate in physical activity, and for a longer period, when experiencing a higher self-efficacy.

“When cancer survivors exercise, it not only improves their physical functioning and psychological well-being, but also reduces their risk of developing other types of cancer or other chronic diseases,” said Karen Basen-Engquist, PhD, professor in the Department of Behavioral Science at MD Anderson Cancer Center and lead investigator on the study.

For the study, which was conducted over a 6-month period, researchers performed routine laboratory cardiorespiratory fitness assessments of the participants. To measure self-efficacy, study participants used hand-held computers to record their self-confidence in completing recommended exercise each morning. Participants also used the computer to record exercise duration, and they completed questionnaires every 2 months.

Study results showed that higher self-efficacy in the morning correlated with significantly more moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise during the day. Moreover, every 1-point increase in self-efficacy resulted in a 6-minute increase in exercise duration.

According to Basen-Engquist, “Our next step will be to determine if we can provide messages to cancer survivors in real time, using methods like e-mail or smart phone applications, to increase their self-efficacy and encourage them to exercise more.”

The study is published online in the journal Health Psychology.

Source: MD Anderson.