Abstract
Social support is associated with physical activity and quality of life among cancer survivors. However, it is conceptualized and operationalized in a variety of ways. This makes it challenging to understand how it contributes to exercise intervention outcomes. This systematic review examined the role of social support in physical activity and quality of life outcomes of cancer survivors participating in exercise interventions. Using PRISMA guidelines (Moher et al. 2009) we searched multiple databases for studies addressing social support, and physical activity and/or quality of life in adult cancer survivors. N=38 RCTs and quasi-experimental studies were retrieved. Interventions that included components intended to enhance support for exercise and/or coping with cancer (psychosocial education, peer support, behavior change education, group exercise) often increased physical activity and quality of life. However, most research assessed multi-component interventions, making it difficult to discern the contribution of each supportive component. There was also some evidence that interventions including a supportive component increased self-reported social support. Intervention effects on physical activity were enhanced for participants who had a larger social network. Evidence on whether marital status moderated the effects of interventions on quality of life was equivocal. Increased social support from family, online peers, other participants, and one's social network during interventions was associated with greater increases in physical activity, suggesting social support may mediate intervention effects. Future research is needed addressing how interventions contribute to the development of different forms of social support, and identifying the mediating and moderating supportive mechanism in this context.Acknowledgments: The authors would like to acknowledge assistance from Alix Hayden, University of Calgary Librarian, and support from a University of Calgary Faculty of Kinesiology seed grant.