JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) can face internal barriers to physical activity, such as uncertainty and frustration stemming from physical limitation and decreased physical functioning, fatigue, and pain. Interventions that draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles may help BCSs overcome internal barriers associated with physical activity.

Objective:

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the acceptability of an electronically delivered physical activity intervention for BCSs that was centered on ACT processes.

Methods:

This study was a one-group pretest-posttest design. We recruited 80 insufficiently active BCSs using online recruitment strategies. The 8-week intervention consisted of weekly modules that featured didactic lessons and experiential exercises targeting key ACT processes in the context of physical activity promotion (namely, values, committed action, acceptance, defusion, and contacting the present moment). We determined intervention acceptability according to study retention (at least 70%,) adherence rates (at least 75% of participants completing at least 50% of the modules), and posttest survey scores reflecting the perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), and interest/enjoyment of the intervention (≥ 5 on a seven-point Likert-type scale). We also evaluated change in self-reported aerobic and muscle strengthening physical activity, physical activity acceptance, physical activity regulation, and health-related outcomes.

Results:

The retention rate (74%), adherence rate (75%), and average PEOU (6.17, SD= 1.17), PU (5.59, SD = 1.40), and interest/enjoyment scores (5.43, SD = 1.40) met acceptability criteria. Participants increased their self-reported aerobic physical activity (d = 1.04), muscle strengthening physical activity (d = 1.02), physical activity acceptance (cognitive acceptance: d = 0.35; behavioral commitment: d = 0.51), physical activity regulation (identified regulation: d = 0.37; integrated regulation: d = 0.66), increased their ability to participate in social roles and activities (d = 0.18), and reported less fatigue (d = -0.33) and sleep disturbance (d = -0.53).

Conclusions:

Electronically delivered acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions may be a useful approach for physical activity promotion to BCSs. More research is needed to refine such approaches and evaluate their efficacy.