Incorporating experiential learning theory in promoting regular physical activity among childhood cancer survivors

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is growing concern about declining levels of physical activity in childhood cancer survivors. There has been an increase in the use of experiential learning to promote the psychological well-being of primary schoolchildren, and to help youth substance abusers and adolescents suffering from chronic illness to change their feelings, patterns of thought, and behavior [1,2]. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of using experiential learning in promoting changes in exercise behavior and enhancing the physical activity levels, self-efficacy, and quality of life of Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial, two-group pretest and repeated post-test, between-subjects design was conducted to 71 childhood cancer survivors (9-16-year olds). Participants in the experimental group joined a four-day integrated adventure-based training guided by Kolb’s experiential learning theory [3]. Control group participants received the same amount of time and attention as the experimental group, but not in such a way as to have any specific effect on the outcome measures. Participants’ exercise behavior changes, levels of physical activity, self-efficacy and quality of life were assessed at the time of recruitment, 3, 6, and 9 months after starting the intervention. RESULTS: Participants in the experimental group reported statistically significant difference in physical activity stages of change (p < 0.001), higher levels of physical activity (p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (p = 0.04) than those in the control group. Besides, there were statistically significant mean differences (p < 0.001) in physical activity levels (2.6), self-efficacy (2.0) and quality of life (4.3) of participants in the experimental group from baseline to 9 months after starting the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Experiential learning was found to be effective in promoting regular physical activity among childhood cancer survivors.