Table 3.
Participants' preferences and investigator recommendations for physical activity program development for older breast cancer survivors.
| Topic | Preference (%) | Investigator explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal start time | 10:00 am (33%) | Offer mid-morning exercise sessions which allow participants to avoid rush hour traffic and that leaves their afternoons free for other activities |
| Duration and frequency | 60 min (43%) | Design programs that offer exercise sessions with duration and frequency to meet current recommendations of at least 150 min of aerobic exercise per week, as older breast cancer survivors are willing to make the time: (13% preferred 5 days a week sessions) |
| Three days a week (50%) | ||
| Types of exercise | Strength Training (80%) | Strength training was the most preferred exercise due to the need to improve upper muscle strength following cancer treatment. |
| Free weights (52%) | ||
| Resistance Bands (48%) | Recommend inclusion of free weights, resistance bands, and strength machines as suggested by participants. Participants were wary of strength machines and will require training | |
| Strength Machines (38%) | ||
| Aerobics | Participants preferred variation in exercise routine and named many. A variety of aerobics exercises should therefore be included in any program being offered. Participants suggested walking, stationary bike, treadmill, and dance classes as the top 4 choices. Recommend offering a variety of exercises so long as weekly exercise recommendations are met, to keep participants engaged | |
| Walking (52%) | ||
| Stationary Bike (37%) | ||
| Treadmill (22%) | ||
| Dance Classes (23%) | ||
| Exercise intensity | Moderate Intensity (55%) | Participants suggested a moderate intensity exercise program given their age and health issues. Recommend beginning from low intensity and gradually escalating to moderate intensity |
| Motivators | Health Calendar (60%) | Suggest use of electronic tracking devices and health calendars for self-monitoring purposes. Older breast cancer survivors can handle electronic devices and devices should be offered |
| Electronic Tracking Device (93%) | ||
| Health Contract (78%) | Recommend a personalized plan made with exercise trainers in order to set goals and for the purposes of monitoring progress | |
| Group Program (97%) | Participants preferred a group program and a buddy system for safety reasons including fear of falls. Recommend group exercise programs and inclusion of family members and caregivers to promote adherence | |
| Buddy System (65%) | ||
| Inclusion of Family Members/Friends (65%) | ||
| Combining exercise classes with other social programs (65%) | Participants were in favor of combining exercise with other social activities, such as milestone celebrations, speakers, stress management, meditation, nutrition, and yoga. Recommend inclusion of such activities | |
| Instructor characteristics | Knowledgeable, understanding about the limitations of age, compassionate and caring | Several desirable characteristics were named by participants. Carefully select exercise trainers paying attention to suggested characteristics |