A focus group study exploring gynecological cancer survivors’ experiences and perceptions of participating in a RCT testing the efficacy of a home-based physical activity intervention

Abstract

Findings suggest that women diagnosed with gynecological cancer perceive participation in physical activity as important and participation provides benefits in terms of psychological well-being and improved physical functioning. Support for continuation of many of the current features of the home-based programme was provided. Findings provide insight and rationale for the selection of components for future home-based physical activity interventions. Findings also support further research into the development of multidimensional interventions for the gynecological cancer population.

Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Research

“…Participants noted specific benefits in terms of their physical fitness [38,40,41,44,46,48,50,52,53,54,58,59,64,65,69], overall energy levels [32,33,35,37,38,40,42,43,44,46,48,50,54,56,57,58,59,62,65,66,67], physical strength [32,35,42,43,44,46,49,50,51,54,56,57,59,60,61,62,66,68,69], flexibility [38,39,49,56,67], weight/body composition [42,43,53,54,62,69,70], sleep quality [40,…”

“…For example, Backman et al [32] noted that women who were receiving adjuvant chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer experienced nausea, lethargy, and headaches when participating in aerobic and/or resistance training. Additionally, others experienced feelings of fatigue, though some noted that feeling tired was a good thing because they viewed as a “healthy fatigue” [54,68]. …”

“…Physical activity enabled participants to shift their focus from sickness and disease to wellness and health [32,33,38,39,42,45,48,50,53,54,55,57,61,63,67,69]. It also gave them something to do and kept their minds busy.…”

Functional Impairment and Physical Activity Adherence Among Gynecologic Cancer Survivors

“…Participation in higher levels of physical activity or in walking was associated with reduced lymphedema. 35 Another qualitative study that was conducted among GCSs who were involved in a home-based physical activity efficacy trial 36 found that participants experienced several benefits, including psychological well-being, physical fitness, and improved functioning. Our findings also are consistent with a previous report that positively associated the availability of emotional support with physical activity.…”

Female Cancer Survivorship and Obesity

“…An example of the conundrum of physical activity and weight loss effect on survivorship stems from a randomized clinical trial incorporating a 12-week, homebased, moderate intensity exercise program, where some cancer survivors believed that physical activity was helping to improve body image and functional capacity but weight loss was less impressive (Figure 5.4) [57]. Von Gruenigen et al [58] validated a lifestyle intervention program with exercise and diet modifications for obese endometrial cancer patients in which the intervention group lost 3.5 kg compared to a 1.4 kg gain in controls, with no significant decrease in intake of calories.…”