Investigating physical activity and associations with sleep, fatigue and mood after breast cancer treatment: an exploratory study and clinical research portfolio

Dickson, Trudi (2012) Investigating physical activity and associations with sleep, fatigue and mood after breast cancer treatment: an exploratory study and clinical research portfolio. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Objective: Physical activity has been shown to improve sleep, fatigue and mood among breast cancer patients during treatment. However, few studies have focused on assessing the effect of activity on these symptoms after treatment is complete. Using a correlational design, this study aimed to explore associations between physical activity, sleep, fatigue and mood in women who had completed treatment for breast cancer and to evaluate the reliability and validity of the short-version International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Methods: Twenty-eight women (aged 43 to 75 years) with stage I and II breast cancer were recruited at 6-months post-diagnosis and after completion of active treatment. Respondents completed measures of activity, sleep, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Six participants also undertook actigraphic monitoring to obtain objective activity levels.

Results: Descriptive analyses suggest the sample was relatively active with 50% of participants engaging in moderate-intensity activities. Despite this, however, only 18% were sufficiently active to meet national guidelines. No significant relationships were found between total physical activity, sleep, fatigue or depression, whereas, anxiety and activity were significantly correlated. Reliability of the IPAQ was low, however, comparison with objective actigraphy data suggests high criterion validity.

Conclusion: These findings have implications for designing interventions to reduce anxiety among breast cancer patients returning to physical activity after treatment. However, the choice of assessment instrument may have a significant impact on research results.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: breast cancer, physical activity, sleep, fatigue, depression, anxiety
• Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General); R Medicine > RT Nursing; B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Fleming, Dr. Leanne
• Date of Award: 2012
• Depositing User: Dr Trudi Dickson
• Unique ID: glathesis:2012-3617
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 20 Nov 2012
• Last Modified: 10 Dec 2012 14:09
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/3617