Independent and Interactive Associations of Light and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity with Quality of Life among Cancer Survivors Public

Dempsey, Lauren (Spring 2020)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/b2773w818?locale=fr
Published

Abstract

Background

Previous research demonstrates that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)  improves quality of life among cancer survivors. But some cancer survivors find it difficult to initiate and maintain sufficient levels of MVPA. Supporting the promotion of light-intensity physical activity (LPA) may improve quality of life among cancer survivors who are not meeting MVPA guidelines.

Methods

Data are from the second cross-sectional survey cycle of the American Cancer Society’s Study of Cancer Survivors-I. ANCOVAs were used evaluate the independent and interactive associations of leisure-time light-intensity physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with physical/mental quality of life. We compare and contrast our findings within the context of the American Cancer Society and American College of Sports Medicine physical activity guidelines, which recommend 150 min/week and 90 min/week of MVPA, respectively.

Results

23% of individuals reported no LPA or MVPA, while 36% of cancer survivors met ACSM guidelines and 24% met ACS guidelines. Results of the ANCOVA for physical QoL revealed a significant main effect of MVPA [ACSM: F(2) = 82.62,  p< .0001; ACS: F(2)=74.03, p< .0001], an insignificant main effect of LPA [ACSM: F(3) = 1.26, p=0.29; ACS: F(3)=0.97, p=0.40] and a significant interaction between LPA and MVPA [ACSM: F(6) = 3.13, p< .01; ACS: F(6)=2.23, p=0.04]. There was a significant mean difference in physical quality of life score between persons reporting high level of light-intensity physical activity and those not engaged in light-intensity activity among those with no moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [LS mean difference 1.42, 95% CI: 0.38, 2.46].

Results of the ANCOVA for mental QoL revealed a significant main effect of MVPA [ACSM: F(2) = 6.99, p< .001; ACS: F(2)=4.97, p< .01], an insignificant main effect of LPA [ACSM: F(3) = 2.03, p=0.11; ACS: F(3)=1.30, p=0.27] and no statistically significant interaction between LPA and MVPA [ACSM: F(6) = 1.15, p=0.33; ACS: F(6)=0.88, p=0.51].

Conclusion

This study adds to the literature by demonstrating an interaction between leisure-time light-intensity physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in relation to physical quality of life among cancer survivors. While MVPA continues to drive the positive association between physical activity and physical QOL, light-intensity activity may be beneficial for improving physical quality of life among cancer survivors who do engage in any moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Table of Contents

Section                                                                                                       Page Number

Background/Literature Review                                                                                  1

Methods                                                                                                                          4

Results                                                                                                                             8

Discussion                                                                                                                      13

Future Directions                                                                                                          17

References                                                                                                                      19

Tables

1.    Descriptive statistics for the study sample by Light-Intensity                    27

PA Status                                                                                                            

2.    Comparison of Main Associations for Physical Quality of Life                

a.    American College of Sports Medicine                                                28

b.   American Cancer Society                                                                   29

3.    Comparison of Main Associations for Mental Quality of Life

a.    American College of Sports Medicine                                                30

b.   American Cancer Society                                                                     31

Figures

1.    Flow Diagram of Participants Included in Complete Case Sample           32

2.    Least Square Means for Physical Quality of Life by Leisure Light-           33

Intensity and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Status Under

ACS and ACSM Guidelines

3.    Least Square Means for Mental Quality of Life by Leisure Light-             34

Intensity and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Status Under

ACS and ACSM Guidelines

Appendix

A.  Modified Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire                               35

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