Correlates of resistance training in post-treatment breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose: To explore demographic, health, social-cognitive and behavioural correlates of resistance training among post-treatment breast cancer survivors. Methods: A sample of 330 post-treatment breast cancer survivors recruited from across Australia completed a mailed questionnaire. A multivariate logistical regression model was used to test associations between independent variables and meeting the resistance training guidelines. Results: Less than a quarter of the participants were meeting the resistance training guidelines of at least two sessions of resistance training per week. Higher task self-efficacy for resistance training (p < 0.01) and greater goal-setting behaviour (p < 0.05) were identified as significant predictors of meeting the resistance training guidelines, with a one unit increase in task self-efficacy and goal setting, increasing the odds of meeting the resistance training guidelines by a factor of approximately 1.2 (odds ratio (OR) task self-efficacy = 1.23, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.43; goal-setting OR = 1.20, 95 % CI = 1.04–1.38). No other variables significantly predicted meeting the resistance training guidelines in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Strategies targeting task self-efficacy and goal-setting behaviours are likely to be important intervention components in resistance training interventions for breast cancer survivors. Implications for cancer survivors: The findings of this study will be useful for informing the development of evidence-based interventions aiming to promote resistance training among this group.