Regular exercise is well-established as beneficial for overall health and well-being. However, cancer survivors often face physical and emotional challenges that can hinder their motivation to exercise. A new study explores the impact of an oncologist’s exercise recommendation, combined with an additional motivational package, on exercise participation and quality of life in cancer survivors.

Researchers recruited 162 survivors of early-stage breast and colorectal cancer who had completed their primary and adjuvant treatments. These participants were randomly divided into three groups:

• Control Group (59 patients): Received standard care with no specific exercise recommendations.
• Oncologist Recommendation Group (53 patients): Received an exercise recommendation directly from their oncologist.
• Motivation Package Group (50 patients): Received an oncologist’s exercise recommendation alongside a comprehensive exercise motivation package.

Measuring Progress: Exercise Levels and Quality of Life

Researchers assessed the participants’ level of exercise participation (minutes per week and Metabolic Equivalent of Task or MET-hours per week) and their overall quality of life (QOL) at the beginning of the study (baseline) and again after four weeks.

The Results: Motivation Makes a Difference

The study revealed encouraging results for the motivation package group. Compared to the control group, participants who received both the oncologist’s recommendation and the exercise motivation package significantly increased their exercise participation in terms of both weekly minutes and MET-hours. Interestingly, the group that only received the oncologist’s recommendation did not show an increase in exercise participation.

The study also demonstrated a positive impact on quality of life, specifically in the area of role functioning, for participants who received the combined recommendation and motivation package. This suggests that increased exercise participation, facilitated by the motivation package, led to an improvement in participants’ ability to fulfill their daily roles and activities.

The Power of Motivation: A Call to Action

The study highlights the significant role that an exercise motivation package can play in encouraging cancer survivors to become more active. Including such a package alongside an oncologist’s exercise recommendation offers a promising strategy for improving exercise participation and overall well-being in cancer survivors.

Looking Ahead: Building on the Findings

While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of exercise motivation programs on cancer survivors. Additionally, investigating the specific components of effective motivation packages can help in tailoring them to individual needs and preferences.

Overall, the message is clear: exercise is crucial for cancer survivors, and providing additional motivation can be a powerful tool in helping them achieve a more active and fulfilling life.

Reference: here