The Role of Self-Determination in Changing Physical Activity Behavior in People Diagnosed With Bowel Polyps: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

This nonblinded randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of a physical activity (PA) intervention underpinned by self-determination theory. Participants (N = 31, mean age 69 years [SD = 4.9]) diagnosed with bowel polyps were randomized to an active lifestyle program (ALP; n = 17) or standard care (n = 14). ALP received supervised exercise and counseling for 6 months. Both groups were followed up at 12 months. Outcomes were change in PA and behavioral regulation. Data were analyzed with intention to treat. At 6 months, differences were observed for behavioral regulation in favor of ALP (p < .05). PA differences were significant for leisure, walking, and vigorous in favor of ALP (p < .05). The self-determination theory can be an effective strategy for promoting PA behavior change in this population, but a larger trial is needed to further explore the utility of the self-determination theory in this context.

Vigorous intensity aerobic interval exercise in bladder cancer patients prior to radical cystectomy: a feasibility randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Strategies to improve pre-operative cardiopulmonary fitness could positively impact recovery after surgery. This study investigated the feasibility of vigorous intensity aerobic interval exercise in bladder cancer patients prior to radical cystectomy (RC). METHODS: A total of 60 patients were randomised (1:1) to exercise or control following a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). The exercise group was offered twice-weekly pre-operative supervised vigorous intensity aerobic interval exercise in addition to standard treatment. The controls received standard treatment only. A repeat CPET was undertaken before surgery and post-operative recovery outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Over half of the 112 eligible patients approached in the clinic were recruited to the study (53.5%), with recruited patients attending a median of 8 (range 1-10) exercise sessions over a pre-operative period of 3-6 weeks. Improvements in peak values of oxygen pulse (P = 0.001), minute ventilation (P = 0.002) and power output (P < 0.001) were observed at the follow-up CPET in the exercise group versus controls and there were no adverse events. Although this feasibility study was not powered to detect changes in post-operative recovery outcomes, there were marginal (non-significant) differences in favour of the exercise group in post-operative Clavien-Dindo score and need for high dependency unit inotropic support. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder cancer patients respond well to pre-surgical aerobic interval exercise, and the improvements in cardiopulmonary fitness variables could have important implications for post-operative recuperation after RC. These findings provide a strong foundation for an adequately powered randomised controlled trial.