Motivations associated with physical activity in young breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Physical activity is associated with positive health outcomes in breast cancer survivors. However, factors that promote or discourage physical activity in this population are not fully understood. This cross-sectional study was designed to examine approach and avoidance motivations, barriers for exercise, and their association with physical activity in breast cancer survivors younger than 50 years old at time of diagnosis. Current physical activity levels, approach and avoidance motivations, and barriers to exercise were assessed through self-report questionnaires in young breast cancer survivors (N = 156). Results indicated that barriers to exercise were negatively associated with physical activity (p < .01) while approach motivations were positively associated with physical activity (p < .01) and were most relevant in the context of low perceived barriers (p < .05). Avoidance motivations were not associated with physical activity (p = .91).

Keywords:

• breast cancer
• physical activity
• motivations
• barriers

Acknowledgments

We thank Liana Abascal, PhD, Laura Petersen, and our participants for their time and dedication to this research.

Additional information

Funding

Funding. Supported by the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation. The primary author was supported in part by a National Institute of General Medical Sciences training grant (T32GM084903).