Behavioral Change Technique is Key to Enrich QOL in Elderly Cancer Patients

What is it about?

We analyzed the feasibility of physical activity (PA) intervention using the multimodal program Nutrition and Exercise Treatment for Advanced Cancer (NEXTAC) and the impact on QOL in elderly patients with advanced cancer (Trial Registration No: UMIN000023207). First, the PA intervention in the NEXTAC program was safe and feasible, with high compliance and low dropout rates. Second, NEXTAC increased outdoor activity in more than 50% of patients. Finally, increased outdoor activity was associated with objectively measured PA and global QOL.

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Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Poor recruitment and high attrition are common in exercise interventions for cancer patients. The NEXTAC program adopted several critical components of behavioral change techniques (BCTs), including goal setting, action planning and instruction, self-monitoring via diaries, and feedback from instructors. We also repeatedly enhanced patients’risk perception about the possibility of developing cachexia, physical dysfunction, and disability in their cancer trajectory. Additionally, a pedometer is a simple, motivational tool for self monitoring of walking. Key predictors of a successful pedometer-based intervention includes having a step goal, self-record of daily steps, and personalized feedback from instructors and caregivers. These factors might have further enhanced the behavioral changes in this study

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