Increasing Physical Activity Among Breast Cancer Survivors With Depression

Pilot study to assess a multi-component intervention to increase physical activity among breast cancer survivors with depression.

The research project is a pilot study to assess the effects of a multi-component intervention in increasing physical activity among breast cancer survivors with depression. Individuals meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria will be enrolled in the 12-week intervention with a 6 month follow up. Intervention components will include print-based education, self-monitoring, Active Living counseling, and facility access. Blood samples will be collected at baseline. Assessments (anxiety, stress, sleep) and sample collection will also occur at 3 time points during the intervention (Weeks 7, 13, and 25). Changes in physical activity will be assessed using Fitbits to measure weekly minutes of moderate/vigorous activity.

Participants will participate in a multi-component physical activity intervention for 12 weeks with a 6 month follow up.

All subjects will be given a copy of Exercise for Health: An Exercise Guide for Breast Cancer Survivors. Topics covered within the book include benefits of exercise in breast cancer survivors; recommendations on type, duration, frequency and intensity of exercise; goal-setting; and advice on overcoming barriers.

Subjects will be provided with a commercially available activity monitor (i.e., Fitbit) and instructed to wear the device daily.

The Active Living counseling program consists of 12 weekly group educational sessions, facilitated by project interventionists. These sessions will involve discussion of topics related to increasing physical activity, including: identifying and overcoming barriers, setting goals, and time management.

Subjects will have access to the exercise lab in the UT Southwestern Depression Center consisting of equipment for aerobic exercise (treadmills, stationary bikes, etc.).

Depressive Symptoms Measured by the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Self Report(QIDS-SR)

Assess changes in depressive symptoms at 6 months following physical activity intervention. Title: Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Self Report(QIDS-SR) Scoring: ranges from 0-27, higher scores indicate more severe symptomatology

Inclusion Criteria: Positive depression screen (PHQ-9) or current antidepressant treatment Report <150 minutes of weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on the GPAQ Physically able to engage in physical activity Written and verbal fluency in English Exclusion Criteria: Medical condition contraindicating physical activity participation Recurrence of breast cancer Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis Cognitively unable to give informed consent Non-English speaking