"It gave me a sense of achievement and a sense of purpose"-a qualitative study of patient experiences of a virtually supervised exercise program for adults with advanced cancer and cachexia.

Madeleine France-Ratcliffe, Kelcey A Bland, Eva M Zopf, Meinir Krishnasamy, Peter Martin, Evelyn B Parr, Prue Cormie, Luc J C van Loon, Amruta Nandi

Journal: Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer 2024;32(5):325

PMID: 38700712

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Abstract

UNLABELLED

People with advanced cancer and cachexia experience significant body weight loss, adversely impacting physical function and quality of life (QOL). Effective, evidence-based treatments for cancer cachexia are lacking, leaving patients with unmet needs. Exercise holds promise to improve patient QOL. However, information on patients' experiences of exercise, including their ability to cope with structured exercise, is limited.

PURPOSE

To explore patient experiences completing a structured, supervised exercise program for people with cachexia due to advanced cancer.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants enrolled in a phase II feasibility, randomized controlled trial to explore their experiences of an 8-week virtually supervised exercise program delivered via videoconference technology. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Seventeen participants completed interviews (female n = 9, 53%). Main interview themes included the following: (1) Deciding to exercise involves balancing concerns and expectations, (2) the exercise program is a positive experience, and (3) moving forward after the exercise program. While some participants initially held doubts about their physical capabilities and exercise safety, most wanted to exercise to enhance their wellbeing. Participants described the exercise program as a positive experience, offering diverse benefits. Some would have preferred in-person exercise, but all agreed the virtual format increased convenience. Participants emphasized the need to recommend the program to others in similar circumstances. They underscored the necessity and desire for ongoing support to sustain their new exercise habits.

CONCLUSION

Based on patient experiences, virtually supervised exercise programming appears to be feasible and meaningful to people with advanced cancer and cachexia.

Address: Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. [email protected].; Cancer Control, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada. [email protected].; Department of Medical Oncology, Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC, Australia.; Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.; Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.; Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.; Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.; Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.; Palliative Care, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia.; Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.; Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.; Department of Human Biology, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.; Department of Medical Oncology, Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC, Australia.; Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08526-y

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https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-08526-y

MeSH Terms: Humans, Cachexia, Female, Neoplasms, Male, Middle Aged, Exercise Therapy, Qualitative Research, Aged, Quality of Life, Adult, Feasibility Studies, Videoconferencing, Interviews as Topic