Relationship between physical activity and exercise self-efficacy of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

[Purpose]: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and exercise self-efficacy in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-two HSCT patients, whose physical activity and exercise self-efficacy could be assessed, participated in this study. The mean steps measured with a pedometer as a substitute for physical activity, the exercise self-efficacy questionnaire administered as a substitute for exercise self-efficacy, age, and sex were assessed at the pre- and post-HSCT. The relationships of physical activity with each of the items were analyzed using single and a multiple regression analyses. [Results]: Exercise self-efficacy and sex were extracted as predictors of physical activity. [Conclusion]: The improvement of exercise self-efficacy may lead to the increase in the physical activity of HSCT patients, who are restricted physically and spatially during HSCT treatment. The results suggest that the approach to psychological aspects, such as exercise self-efficacy should be considered to increase physical activity, to help patients acquire exercise habits, and to prevent deconditioning of HSCT patients.