Article

The adoption and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle among
women after breast cancer is an important priority for public health and
rehabilitation science. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore
breast cancer survivors' perceptions of the factors influencing their ability to
maintain a self-directed physical activity program. METHOD: Nine women
participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were coded into
perceived barriers and motivators to maintenance of physical activity using
thematic analysis. RESULTS: Women identified a range of physical (e.g.
cancer-related physical symptoms), environmental/organizational (e.g. bad
weather, lack of equipment/facilities, lack of knowledge, time constraints) and
psychosocial (e.g. lack of motivation, low social support, low confidence/skill)
barriers. They also identified perceived physical (e.g. weight management, health
improvement or maintenance, increase energy) and psychosocial (e.g. improve body
image, experience enjoyment, social support, positive emotions) motivators.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with research on barriers and
motivators to physical activity initiation, and can be used to develop
self-directed physical activity programs that target active breast cancer
survivors to sustain regular engagement. Furthermore, the barriers and motivators
identified represent key variables for further investigation. IMPLICATIONS FOR
REHABILITATION: The present study identifies a number of perceived physical,
psychosocial and organizational/environmental barriers to naturally occurring
physical activity participation among active breast cancer survivors that should
be addressed to ensure they maintain a physically active lifestyle This study
also provides evidence that comprehensive approaches that address physical and
psychosocial motivators to physical activity should be developed to assist women
with a history of breast cancer maintain their physical activity levels.

Langue : ANGLAIS