Randomized controlled trial of a behavior change intervention to increase physical activity and quality of life in prostate cancer survivors

Background: Physical activity improves health in prostate cancer survivors; however, participation rates are low.

Purpose: This study aims to determine the effects of an implementation intention intervention on physical activity and quality of life in prostate cancer survivors.

Methods: Prostate cancer survivors (N = 423) were randomly assigned to a standard physical activity recommendation, a self-administered implementation intention, or a telephone-assisted implementation intention. Physical activity and quality of life were assessed at baseline, 1, and 3 months.

Results: Analyses of covariance using multiple imputation showed that physical activity at 1 month increased by 86 min/week in the standard physical activity recommendation group compared with 168 min/week in the self-administered implementation intention group (P = 0.023) and 105 min/week in the telephone-assisted implementation intention group (P = 0.35).

Conclusions: A self-administered implementation intention intervention resulted in a meaningful short-term increase in physical activity. Supplementation with additional intervention strategies and more frequent intervention may improve longer-term exercise.