Psychological effect of exercise on breast cancer survivors.

Abstract

This research study examined the psychological effect of exercise on breast cancer survivors. Three psychological parameters (depression, anxiety and self-esteem) were examined in order to determine if they were affected by the intervention of regular exercise. Breast cancer survivors (rr = 5) participated in a specialty indoor cycling class called Recovery Cycle once per week for a period of eight consecutive weeks. All participants completed three psychological assessment tests at the beginning and end of the " II eight-week program. The administered tests were: The Beck Depression Inventory; the I II II , State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory. Analysis of all pre-and post-tests indicated no significant difference among the three parameters of depression, anxiety and self-esteem. However, mean and standard deviation scores showed decreases in depression and anxiety levels, and increases in self-esteem levels. These results suggest that exercise has no effect on improving the psychological state of breast cancer survivors. Limitations of this study are discussed, as well as recommendations for future research.