Kolden, G.G., Strauman, T.J., Ward, A., Kuta, J., Woods, T.E., Schneider, K.L., . . . Mullen, B. (2002). A pilot study of group exercise training (GET) for women with primary breast cancer. Feasibility and health benefits. Psycho-Oncology, 11, 447–456.
A group exercise training (GET) intervention was delivered in a structured format three times per week for 16 weeks. The one-hour GET training sessions emphasized physical activities that promote aerobic fitness, strength, and flexibility. The warm-up period lasted 10–15 minutes, the aerobic training phase lasted 20 minutes, and the resistance training and cool-down phase lasted 20 minutes. Exercise intensity and duration were prescribed on an individual basis using the results from baseline fitness assessments. Two exercise physiologists provided each session. Data were collected at baseline, week 8, and week 16.
A quasi-experimental design was used.
BDI, PANAS, and HRSD were significantly improved from baseline to week 16. There was no statistically significant change in anxiety, as measured by STAI, after the exercise intervention. At baseline, participants were not experiencing high levels of distress.
Anxiety levels were not changed significantly from this exercise program, although other health benefits were reported.