Feasibility and Acceptability of a Dyadic Physical Activity Behavioral Promotion Program for Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Spouses: A Pilot Study

Background: Physical activity (PA) alleviates the symptoms of breast cancer survivors and improves their spouses’ wellness. Nevertheless, insufficient dyadic PA behavior among patient-spouse dyads constrains their PA levels. Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a dyadic PA behavioral promotion program for breast cancer survivors during chemotherapy and their spouses. Methods: Fifteen patient-spouse dyads from a tertiary general hospital were enrolled in this single-arm pilot study and received an 8-session dyadic PA behavioral promotion intervention across 2 chemotherapy cycles. The feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the intervention were evaluated using t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and effect sizes were calculated to estimate intervention effects. Results: Rates of recruitment (57.69%), retention (73.33%), and participation (84.71%) indicated good feasibility, and the high overall satisfaction score (4.85 ± 0.36), together with participant feedback, demonstrated high acceptability. PA levels (both P < .05, d = 0.71, d = 0.67) and marital intimacy ( P < .01, d = 1.22; P < .05, d = 0.94) were significantly improved in both patients and their spouses. In addition, patients’ quality of life was significantly improved ( P < .05, d = 0.91), and spouses’ sleep disturbance was reduced ( P < .05, d = 0.75). Conclusions: The dyadic PA behavioral promotion program was feasible and acceptable and may help improve PA levels and reduce symptom burden. Implications for Oncology Nursing Practice: Dyadic PA promotion interventions can be integrated into routine supportive care to enhance physical and mental well-being and health-promoting behaviors among patients and their spouses.