Randomized Controlled Trial of a Behavior Change Intervention to Increase Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Survivors

Physical activity improves health in prostate cancer survivors; however, participation rates are low. This study aims to determine the effects of an implementation intention intervention on physical activity and quality of life in prostate cancer survivors. 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. 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). 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. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01410656).