AEROBIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL FITNESS AS PREDICTORS OF
PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL BEING IN CANCER SURVIVORS
Kiara Clory1, Paul Ritvo 1
1
School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON
Breast Cancer is a major Canadian health concern, with 1 in 9 women expected to develop the
disease in their lifetime. Physiological side effects from breast cancer have caused declines in
VO2 peak and musculoskeletal function in patients. The disease process can further cause
survivors a cluster of psychological problems leading to elevated levels of depression, anxiety,
and generic distress. Substantial evidence has demonstrated physical activity to be a noninvasive, well tolerated, and low risk intervention with the potential to improve cancer outcomes.
This study will analyze whether a predictive relationship exists between VO2 peak and
psychological outcomes in breast cancer survivors. Specifically, we will assess whether there is
a relationship between change in VO2 peak and anxiety, depression, fatigue and quality of life.
Analyses will also examine whether grip strength is a similarly predictive physical (fitness)
variable. It is hypothesized that increases in VO2 peak will predict lower anxiety, depression,
fatigue and higher quality of life scores.
Recruitment will consist of 107 women from the Princess Margaret hospital. A 12 week physical
activity program will be implemented with a weekly group exercise class and progressive home
based exercise prescription consisting of both aerobic and resistance exercises. Baseline and T1
data (post 12 week exercise intervention) from the larger study will be analyzed. Linear
regression will be used to assess the relationship between percent change in VO2 peak (and grip
strength) and depression (CESD-S), anxiety (STAI-S), fatigue (FACT-F) and quality of life
(FACT-B) scores (at T1). Hypothesized covariates include: SES, age, adjuvant hormonal
therapy, and the iMOVE intervention. Covariates will be included in model if correlations are
statistically significant and have r value of 0.7 or higher. The following study could give insight
into what aspects of fitness are most predictive of improving psychological measures in breast
cancer survivors.