OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of an internet-delivered, distance-based physical activity (PA) behaviour change programme on motivation to perform PA in cancer survivors. DESIGN: Breast, prostate and colorectal cancer survivors (n = 95) were randomized to either an online Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)-based PA behaviour change programme (UCAN) or usual care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Motivational variables from the TPB including intention, planning, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and underlying beliefs. RESULTS: UCAN had significant negative effects on self-efficacy (-0.7; 95% CI -1.2 to -0.1; d = -0.53, p = 0.019), affective attitude (-0.4; 95% CI -0.8 to -0.0; d = -0.45, p = 0.044), instrumental attitude (-0.5; 95% CI -0.9 to -0.1; d = -0.43, p = 0.026) and confidence to perform PA in bad weather (-0.8; 95% CI -1.6 to -0.1; d = -0.49, p = 0.030), despite health issues (-0.7; 95% CI -1.3 to -0.1; d = -0.48, p = 0.031), despite pain/soreness (-0.7; 95% CI -1.4 to -0.1; d = -0.52, p = 0.020), despite family responsibilities (-1.0; 95% CI -1.7 to -0.3; d = -0.62, p = 0.005) and when PA is boring (-0.8; 95% CI -1.4 to -0.1; d = -0.54, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: UCAN had negative effects on motivational variables in cancer survivors. These findings may be explained by methodological issues related to measuring motivation and/or the absence of post-intentional constructs.

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