Types of Social Support Predicting Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Group Exercise Programs for Adults Living with Cancer

Social support (SS) and physical activity (PA) can improve quality of life (QoL) in cancer, meaning group PA programs are important for rehabilitation. However, there are many types of SS, and few studies have compared which SS concepts are more strongly associated with PA and QoL. This exploratory cross-sectional study examined the association between several types of SS provided by other people in group exercise oncology classes and PA and QoL among adults living with cancer. It was hypothesized all types of SS would be positively associated with PA and QoL. Participants (N = 72) completed a questionnaire assessing 11 SS predictors, five QoL outcomes, and one self-reported PA outcome, and wore a Fitbit to assess step count for 1 week. Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression. Reassurance of worth support predicted self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA (R² = .07, p = .03). Relatedness thwarting negatively predicted general (R² = .07, p = .03) and social well-being (R² = .10, p = .01). Social network predicted physical well-being (R² = .07, F(1, 66) = 4.93, p = .03). There were no significant SS predictors of the other outcomes. Group exercise oncology programs should train instructors to promote reassurance of worth by recognizing or facilitating other participants to recognize participants' PA competence and skills, encourage developing social relationships by creating opportunities to connect over time, and minimize relatedness thwarting by promoting belonging and inclusion. Future research should compare different types of SS in larger samples and diverse populations of adults living with cancer.