The Feasibility of an Active Lifestyle Programme in Patients Recovering From Colorectal Cancer (MOVE)

Feasibility of a Physical Activity Intervention Informed by Self-Determination Theory With Patients Recovering From Colorectal Cancer

Long-term maintenance of physical activity behaviour change post-intervention remains challenging. This study is investigating the feasibility of a behaviour change intervention based on Self-Determination Theory in people recovering from colorectal cancer and its effects on behaviour change 6 months post-intervention.

This study was a randomized controlled feasibility trial consisting of a 3-months active lifestyle intervention and a 3-months follow-up period. Participants were allocated to an active lifestyle programme (ALP) or the standard (SC) care group. ALP was offered 12 supervised exercise sessions over 3 months and six supportive behaviour change workshops. SC was encouraged to continue with their usual lifestyle. The intervention was informed by Self-Determination Theory. The supervised exercise sessions took place in small groups of maximum 7 participants and lasted approximately 1 hour. Exercise included aerobic and resistance exercises. The behaviour change workshops were delivered in a motivational interviewing style, also in small groups of maximum 7 participants. Participants were followed-up at 6 months. There was no contact with participants during the post-intervention and follow-up period.

Supervised exercises for 3 months and motivational interviewing to facilitate physical activity behaviour change. Supervised exercise sessions took place twice per week for the first four weeks. This was tapered off to once per week for the second four weeks. During the last month of the intervention participants continued with the exercise at home and were encouraged to achieve 150min of moderate to vigorous PA per week.

The intervention is an activity lifestyle programme to increase physical activity behaviour post-intervention and to facilitate behaviour change maintenance at 3 months post-intervention.

Change in minutes spent in moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity measure with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire long version

Change in behavioural regulation measure with the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire version 2

Change in psychological needs satisfaction measured with the psychological needs satisfaction in exercise scale

Inclusion Criteria: a histologically confirmed diagnosis of colorectal cancer with Dukes stages A-C completed cancer treatment within the last 24 months, be able to understand spoken and written English score of 80 or more on the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale Exclusion Criteria: already meeting general PA guidelines of 150 min of moderate PA or 75 min of vigorous intensity PA per week, recent myocardial infarction uncontrolled hypertension a pacemaker or unstable angina.