Philip M. Anton

Increasing the distance of an external focus of attention enhances standing long jump performance.

Abstract Porter, JM, Anton, PM, and Wu, WFW. Increasing the distance of an external focus of attention enhances standing long jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(9): 2389–2393, 2012—Numerous studies have demonstrated that using verbal instructions to direct a performers attention externally (i.e., toward the effect of the movement) significantly enhances motor skill performance. Limited research has also demonstrated that increasing the distance of an external focus relative to the body magnifies the effect of an external focus of attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of increasing the distance of an external focus of attention on standing long jump performance. Using a counterbalanced within-participant design, recreationally trained male subjects (n = 35) performed 2 standing long jumps following 3 different sets of verbal instructions (total of 6 jumps; each separated by 1 minute of seated rest). One set of instructions was designed to focus attention externally near the body (EXN); another set of instructions directed attention externally to a target farther from the body (EXF); the last set of instructions served as a control condition (CON) and did not encourage a specific focus of attention. The results indicated that the EXN and EXF conditions elicited jump distances that were significantly greater than the CON condition. In addition, the subjects in the EXF condition jumped significantly farther than those in the EXN condition. These findings suggest that increasing the distance of an external focus of attention, relative to the body, immediately improves standing long jump performance.

Better exercise adherence after treatment for cancer (BEAT Cancer) study: Rationale, design, and methods

Most breast cancer survivors do not engage in regular physical activity. Our physical activity behavior change intervention for breast cancer survivors significantly improved physical activity and health outcomes post-intervention during a pilot, feasibility study. Testing in additional sites with a larger sample and longer follow-up is warranted to confirm program effectiveness short and longer term. Importantly, the pilot intervention resulted in changes in physical activity and social cognitive theory constructs, enhancing our potential for testing mechanisms mediating physical activity behavior change. Here, we report the rationale, design, and methods for a two-site, randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of the BEAT Cancer physical activity behavior change intervention to usual care on short and longer term physical activity adherence among breast cancer survivors. Secondary aims include examining social cognitive theory mechanisms of physical activity behavior change and health benefits of the intervention. Study recruitment goal is 256 breast cancer survivors with a history of ductal carcinoma in situ or Stage I, II, or IIIA disease who have completed primary cancer treatment. Outcome measures are obtained at baseline, 3 months (i.e., immediately post-intervention), 6 months, and 12 months and include physical activity, psychosocial factors, fatigue, sleep quality, lower extremity joint dysfunction, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and waist-to-hip ratio. Confirming behavior change effectiveness, health effects, and underlying mechanisms of physical activity behavior change interventions will facilitate translation to community settings for improving the health and well-being of breast cancer survivors.

Pilot, randomized trial of resistance exercise during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a randomized trial of resistance exercise in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation.

DIRECTING ATTENTION EXTERNALLY IMPROVES CONTINUOUS VISUOMOTOR SKILL PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS WHO HAVE UNDERGONE CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Conflict of Interest: The editor in chief has reviewed the conflict of interest checklist provided by the authors and has determined that the authors have no financial or any other kind of personal conflicts with this paper. Author Contributions: Ellen Smulders: study design, acquisition of subjects and data, analysis and interpretation of data, and preparation of the letter. Wim van Lankveld: study concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data, and preparation of the letter. Roland Laan: study design, acquisition of subjects, and preparation of the letter. Jacques Duysens: study concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data, and preparation of the letter. Vivian Weerdesteyn: study concept and design, acquisition of subjects and data, analysis and interpretation of data, and preparation of the letter. Sponsor’s Role: None.

Effects of a multicomponent physical activity behavior change intervention on fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptomatology in breast cancer survivors: Randomized trial

To determine the effects of the 3‐month multicomponent Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer (BEAT Cancer) physical activity behavior change intervention on fatigue, depressive symptomatology, and anxiety.

Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Trial

Purpose Data from large randomized controlled trials confirming sleep quality improvements with aerobic physical activity have heretofore been lacking for post–primary treatment breast cancer survivors. Our primary purpose for this report was to determine the effects of a physical activity behavior change intervention, previously reported to significantly increase physical activity behavior, on sleep quality in post–primary treatment breast cancer survivors. Methods Post–primary treatment breast cancer survivors (n = 222) were randomized to a 3-month physical activity behavior change intervention (Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer [BEAT Cancer]) or usual care. Self-report (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) and actigraphy (latency and efficiency) sleep outcomes were measured at baseline, 3 months (M3), and 6 months (M6). Results After adjusting for covariates, BEAT Cancer significantly improved PSQI global sleep quality when compared with usual care at M3 (mean between-group difference [M] = −1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −2.1 to −0.7, P < 0.001) and M6 (M = −1.0, 95% CI = −1.7 to −0.2, P = 0.01). BEAT Cancer improved several PSQI subscales at M3 (sleep quality M = −0.3, 95% CI = −0.4 to −0.1, P = 0.002; sleep disturbances M = −0.2, 95% CI = −0.3 to −0.03, P = 0.016; daytime dysfunction M = −0.2, 95% CI = −0.4 to −0.02, P = 0.027) but not M6. A nonsignificant increase in percent of participants classified as good sleepers occurred. No significant between-group difference was noted for accelerometer latency or efficiency. Conclusion A physical activity intervention significantly reduced perceived global sleep dysfunction at 3 and 6 months, primarily because of improvements in sleep quality aspects not detected with accelerometer.

Cancer caregivers’ perceptions of an exercise and nutrition program

PurposeLittle research has addressed exercise and nutrition-based interventions for cancer caregivers. This study explored cancer caregivers’ perceptions of participating in a structured exercise and nutrition program alongside cancer survivors for whom they provided care.MethodsIn-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted by one interviewer with 12 cancer caregivers about their experiences participating in a structured, 12-week exercise and nutrition program designed for cancer survivors and caregivers to complete concurrently. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached.ResultsInductive content analysis from individual interviews indicated three separate, but interrelated, themes: (1) the program was a positive mechanism through which caregivers shared and supported the cancer journey concurrently with survivors, (2) the program led to perceived physical and psychological benefits for both caregivers and survivors, and (3) participants perceived that participation in the program led to feeling increased social support in their caregiving duties.ConclusionsFindings from this study suggest that participating in an exercise- and nutrition-based intervention is viewed positively by caregivers and that the outcomes are seen as beneficial to both caregivers and survivors. Interventions that address the health needs of both members of the caregiver–survivor dyad should continue to be encouraged by allied health professionals.

Improvement in Lift-and-Carry Task in Cancer Survivors Participating in Prescribed Exercise

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