Effects of Walking on Quality of Life Among Lung Cancer Patients: A Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND Walking is typically the preferred form of physical activity among lung cancer patients. Physical activity can promote and maintain the health of such patients. OBJECTIVE We examined how walking affected the quality of life (QOL) of lung cancer patients, evaluating the factors that predicted changes in walking during a 6-months study. METHODS This study involved a longitudinal and correlational design, and the instruments comprised the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung Cancer, and social support and self-efficacy scales. RESULTS In total, 107 patients were evaluated for 6 months; the results indicated that the patients completed approximately 217 to 282 minutes of walking per week. The data demonstrated that the frequency of walking exercise decreased or stopped among 36% patients during the 6-month study. A generalized estimating equation analysis indicated significant differences between the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung Cancer scores and levels of physical and functional well-being among the lung cancer patients who did and did not engage in walking. Social support, self-efficacy, and patient treatment status can be used to predict the change in walking among lung cancer patients. CONCLUSION Patient QOL can be improved by engaging in walking exercise for 6 months. Regarding lung cancer patients, social support and self-efficacy are the key factors in maintaining walking exercise. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Integrating psychological strategies may be required to strengthen the positive effects of walking exercise on the QOL of lung cancer patients.