Developing a Home-Based Exercise Program in Breast Cancer Patients: A Focus Group Discussion

Abstract

Background: Exercise is a major non-pharmacological intervention to improve quality of life in breast cancer patients. Given the enhanced utilization of exercise programs worldwide and lack of proper guidelines for breast cancer exercise programs in Iran, a group of different experts gathered to draw an exercise framework in these populations Methods: This is a qualitative study using a focus group discussion method. Eight participants with different expertise were gathered. We had a moderator and two assistant moderators. Results: After analyzing, two challenging themes emerged: (1) conducting different types of exercise as home-based, and (2) preparticipation assessments. We had seven subthemes for the first theme, which in turn were divided into three categories: aerobic exercises, resistance training, and exercise intensity monitoring. Also we extracted two subthemes for pre-participation assessments. Conclusions: Based on opinion of different experts who are involved in breast cancer care process, conducting different types of exercise as home-based, and pre-participation assessment should be considered.

Effectiveness of home-based exercise in breast cancer survivors: a randomized clinical trial

“…The exercise package was developed based on an expert focus group discussion held by the same research team [ 18 ], incorporating walking, balance exercises, and stretches to best cater for the needs of breast cancer survivors (Supplement Table 1 ). The intervention group began the exercise regime at a volume of 15 min per session, 2 days per week, and gradually increased the duration to reach the target volume of 50–60 min per session, at least 3 days per week, or 30–40 min per session, 5 days per week, for a total period of 3 months.…”