Postdiagnosis sedentary behavior and health outcomes in cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background High levels of sedentary behavior may negatively affect health outcomes in cancer survivors. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed to clarify whether postdiagnosis sedentary behavior is related to survival, patient‐reported outcomes, and anthropometric outcomes in cancer survivors. Methods The Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL (The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from study inception to June 2019. Studies of adults who had been diagnosed with cancer that examined the association between sedentary behavior and mortality, patient‐reported outcomes (eg, fatigue, depression), or anthropometric outcomes (eg, body mass index, waist circumference) were eligible for inclusion. Meta‐analyses were performed to estimate hazard ratios for the highest compared with the lowest levels of sedentary behavior for all‐cause and colorectal cancer‐specific mortality outcomes. The ROBINS‐E (Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies‐of Exposures tool) and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system were used to assess the risk of bias and the strength of evidence, respectively. Results Thirty‐three eligible publications from a total of 3569 identified articles were included in the review. A higher level of postdiagnosis sedentary behavior was associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.41; heterogeneity [I2 statistic], 33.8%) as well as colorectal cancer‐specific mortality (hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.14‐2.06; I2, 0%). No clear or consistent associations between sedentary behavior and patient‐reported or anthropometric outcomes were identified. The risk of bias in individual studies ranged from moderate to serious, and the strength of evidence ranged from very low to low. Conclusions Although avoiding high levels of sedentary behavior after a cancer diagnosis may improve survival, further research is required to help clarify whether the association is causal.Jeff K. Vallance is supported by the Canada Research Chairs program. Brigid Lynch is supported by a fellowship from the Victorian Cancer Agency (MCRF18005).Published onlin

Physical activity and quality of life after colorectal cancer: overview of evidence and future directions

Abstract physical activity has been demonstrated to be a safe, feasible and efficacious intervention to improve quality of life in cancer survivors. For colorectal cancer survivors, specifically, the evidence is less clear. Whilst observational studies suggest that physical activity is positively associated with quality of life in this population, the findings from intervention trials have predominantly been null. Methodological limitations of the intervention trials to date may partially explain these findings. Future research will benefit from the use of objective activity monitoring, which will allow researchers to examine the contributions towards quality of life across the full activity spectrum (from sedentary behaviour to vigorous-intensity physical activity). Future research should also consider effects within population subgroups and study underlying biological mechanisms

Profiles of resistance training behavior and sedentary time among older adults: Associations with health-related quality of life and psychosocial health

Background: The primary objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the associations of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosocial factors (e.g., satisfaction with life, level of self-esteem, anxiety, depression) with resistance training and sedentary behavior profiles. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 358 older adults (≥55 years of age) across Alberta, Canada, completed self-reported measures of resistance training behavior, sedentary time, HRQoL, and psychosocial health (e.g., depression, anxiety, self-esteem, satisfaction with life). Participants were placed into one of four profiles with respect to their sedentary and resistance training behaviors. Data were collected in Alberta, Canada between August 2013 and January 2014. Results: Pairwise comparisons indicated that those in the low SED/low RT group had a higher mental health composite (MHC) score compared to those in the high SED/low RT group (Mdiff = 3.9, p = 0.008). Compared to those in the high SED/low RT group, those in the low SED/high RT groups had significantly higher MHC scores (Mdiff = 4.8, p < 0.001). Those in the low SED/high RT group reported significantly higher physical health composite scores (PHC) (Mdiff = 3.7, p = 0.019), compared to the high SED/low RT group. Lower depression symptom scores were observed in the low SED/high RT groups compared to the high SED/low RT group, (Mdiff = −0.60, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Resistance training, regardless of sedentary time, was significantly associated with HRQoL and psychosocial health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of distance-based physical activity interventions for cancer survivors (2013–2018): We still haven't found what we're looking for

Background: Physically active cancer survivors have a reduced risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. Given the health advantages of active lifestyles in cancer survivorship, as well as the barriers preventing physical activity (e.g., geography, time) there is a need to develop and evaluate effective physical activity interventions that employ distance-based (i.e., non face-to-face) approaches. The primary objective of this study was to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of present-day (2013–2018) distance-based physical activity behaviour change interventions for cancer survivors. Methods: PubMed and Embase databases were searched from November 2012 up to June 2018. Studies were included that met the following criteria: (1) written in English, (2) included adult cancer survivors (either undergoing or completed treatment), (3) was a controlled intervention study, and (4) the intervention was distance-based (delivered via distance) with no more than one face-to-face contact. Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5) software was used to perform a meta-analysis on all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that presented self-reported or objectively measured physical activity post-intervention means and standard deviations. Risk of bias for each study was assessed using The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Results: We included 29 RCTs. Across the 29 studies, the total number of participants in these studies was 5218. Median sample size was 95 and ranged from 19 to 463. Thirteen (45%) studies focused on breast cancer survivors and median months since diagnosis was 24 (range 6–79). Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity data from 24 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis and indicated an overall small effect (standardized mean difference) of 0.21 (95% CI 0.11–0.32) favoring the interventions. Conclusions: Intervention effects on physical activity were small. Drawing conclusions from these trials remains challenging given major limitations of these trials included poor methodological design, small sample sizes, lack of statistical power, homogeneous samples (e.g., caucasian, young, well-educated), and poor measures of physical activity (e.g., self-report). Relying on the present landscape of distance-based programs aiming to facilitate physical activity among cancer survivors may not be prudent

Exploring beliefs around physical activity among older adults in rural Canada

Objective: As physical activity can improve health and reduce the risk of chronic disease, it is important to understand the contributing factors to physical activity engagement among older adults, particularly those living in rural communities to assist in remaining active and healthy as long as possible. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the socio-ecological factors that influence or contribute to physical activity among rural-dwelling older adults in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. Methods: This qualitative description explored the perceptions of physical activity among older adults living in two rural communities in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 adults aged 69–94. Using content analysis techniques, transcribed interview data were coded and categorized. Results: Participants identified socio-ecological elements facilitating physical activity such as improved health, independence, and mobility as well as social cohesion and having opportunities for physical activity. The most common perceived environmental barrier to engaging in physical activity was the fear of falling, particularly on the ice during the winter months. Participants also cited adverse weather conditions, aging (e.g., arthritis), and family members (e.g., encouraged to “take it easy”) as barriers to physical activity. Conclusion: Hearing directly from older adults who reside in rural Saskatchewan was determined to have the potential to improve awareness of physical activity in rural communities to support the implementation of programs and practices that will facilitate active lifestyles for older adults

Consumer physical activity tracking device ownership and use among a population-based sample of adults

<div><p>Consumer physical activity tracking devices (PATs) have gained popularity to support individuals to be more active and less sedentary throughout the day. Wearable PATs provide real-time feedback of various fitness-related metrics such as tracking steps, sedentary time, and distance walked. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of PAT ownership and use among a population-based sample of adults. A representative sample of adults ≥18 years (N = 1,215) from Alberta, Canada were recruited through random-digit dialing and responded to a questionnaire via computer-assisted telephone interviewing methods in summer 2016. Questionnaires assessed demographic and health behaviour variables, and items were designed to assess PAT ownership and usage. Logistic regression analysis (odds ratios) was used to assess correlates of PAT ownership and use. On average, participants (N = 1,215) were 53.9 (SD 16.7) years and 50.1% were female. Of the sample, 19.6% (n = 238) indicated they currently own and use a PAT. Participants who owned a PAT wore their device on average 23.2 days within the past month. Currently owning a PAT was significantly associated with being female (OR = 1.41, CI: 1.10 to 1.82), being <60 years of age (OR = 1.86, CI: 1.37 to 2.53), having at least some post secondary education (OR = 1.88, CI: 1.36 to 2.60), having a BMI ≥25 (OR = 1.52, CI: 1.16 to 1.99), and meeting physical activity guidelines (OR = 1.45, CI: 1.12 to 1.88). Similar correlates emerged for PAT use. Correlates significantly associated with PAT use and ownership included being female, being less than 60 years of age, having a post-secondary education, meeting physical activity guidelines, and being overweight/obese. This is the first study to examine characteristics of PAT ownership and use among Canadian adults.</p></div

Association between change in employment participation and quality of life in middle-aged colorectal cancer survivors compared with general population controls

Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between change in employment participation for a 12-month period and quality of life among individuals with colorectal cancer compared with general population controls. Methods: This was a prospective, registry-based study that enrolled middle-aged (45-64 years) residents of Queensland, Australia, who were in the paid workforce, and newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Participants completed structured telephone interviews at 6 and 12 months after diagnosis assessing quality of life and employment status (“retired/ceased work,” “increased work,” “decreased work,” and “maintained work”). Survivors were matched on demographic and occupation characteristics in a 1:2 ratio with individuals from the general population who had participated in both Wave 10 (2010) and 11 (2011) of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey. Results: Almost half (66/148, 45%) of colorectal cancer survivors ceased or decreased work during the study period, compared with 27% in the control group (79/295, P =.001). Physical and mental well-being did not fluctuate over time in the general population. However, there were significant improvements in physical well-being, functional well-being, and overall quality of life during the study period for participants with colorectal cancer. At 12 months postdiagnosis, participants with colorectal cancer who maintained or increased work had significantly better functional well-being and overall quality of life compared with those who decreased work or retired. Conclusions: A diagnosis of colorectal cancer often impairs the ability of a person to maintain work. The impairments are predominantly physical and functional. Interventions to assist with occupational rehabilitation should be trialed.</p