Vol. 49 No. 1 (2017), Exercise Psychology Abstracts
Vol. 49 No. 1 (2017)

Exploring leader characteristics and needs necessary for the successful implementation of project move, a group-based physical activity program for breast cancer survivors

Exercise Psychology Abstracts
Published 2017-11-15
Jenna Davie
Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta
Kayla Fitzpatrick
School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia
Catherine M Sabiston
Faculty of Physical Education, University of Toronto
Joan L Bottorff
Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, University of British Columbia
Kristin Campbell
Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia
Carolyn Gotay
School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia
Susan Ellard
Cancer Centre of the Southern Interior, British Columbia Cancer Agency
Cristina M Caperchione
School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia

Abstract

Objective: Project MOVE is a group based program with a primary focus of increasing physical activity (PA) among breast cancer (BC) survivors through the use of microgrants (small amount of funding awarded to community groups to support the design and implementation of a PA initiative) and a financial incentive. Each Project MOVE group is facilitated by a group-appointed leader who plays a lead role in the submission of the microgrant application and the implementation of the funded PA initiative. The purpose of this study was to explore group leaders' characteristics and needs necessary for successful implementation of the Project MOVE model (microgrants + financial incentive). Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews were utilized to gain insight from Project MOVE group leaders (n=9). Group leaders were mainly women (89%) with a mean age of 44.25 ± 17.60. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using thematic content analysis, data were independently coded and categorized by two research team members. Results: Findings that emanated from discussions with the group leaders were coded into five themes: organisation skills, interpersonal communication, importance of social support, fostering motivation, and needs related to education and training for PA. Within these themes, outcomes of group connectedness and enhanced social interaction were evident. Conclusion: Findings from this research provide insight into the development of group-based PA initiatives for BC survivors and the needs of effective leaders.