Factors associated with exercise preferences, barriers and facilitators of prostate cancer survivors

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to understand the exercise levels, preferences and interests of prostate cancer survivors in Canada. Methods An electronic survey was administered via a prostate cancer‐specific website and assessed self‐reported exercise levels, exercise preferences and interests, exercise barriers and facilitators to exercise. Results Based on 103 participants, the majority (75.7%) of prostate cancer survivors did not meet both aerobic and resistance exercise guidelines, despite an interest in exercise. Strongest exercise preferences were shown for resistance exercise, walking, flexibility and bicycling and for performing exercise from a community‐based gym or from home. Significant differences in exercise interests and facilitators were found between individuals who were meeting exercise guidelines compared to those who were not. Conclusion The majority of Canadian prostate cancer survivors are insufficiently active. Exercise preferences and facilitators appear to be influenced by current exercise levels. Resistance and aerobic exercise should be considered when programming exercise for prostate cancer survivors.

Female partner experiences of prostate cancer patients’ engagement with a community-based football intervention: a qualitative study

“…The results also con rm previous qualitative work describing how men with prostate cancer who take part in a football intervention appreciate being able to share new stories from training and the value adding aspects for their husband and father operating predominately in the domestic sphere [22,25]. Moreover, the results con rm the ndings of a recent meta-synthesis of various exercise interventions and their effect on male perception of masculinity, body image, and personal identity, which concluded that exercise can facilitate a process of self-re ection secondary to changes in physique and help to re-establish male self-e cacy [26,27] .…”

Exercise Counselling To Promote Exercise Behaviour Change In Individuals With Prostate Cancer

“…25 Despite strong evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of exercise in individuals with prostate cancer, evaluations of this population show that the majority of prostate cancer survivors are insufficiently active. 28,29,37,38,[76][77][78] The reported proportion of individuals with prostate cancer who meet the aerobic and resistance exercise guidelines varies based on the method used to evaluate exercise levels (objective or self-reported). 28,33,37,[76][77][78] The majority of studies report only on aerobic exercise levels and generally find that individuals with prostate cancer are performing insufficient amounts of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise or physical activity (depending on measurement and definition).…”

“…28,29,37,38,[76][77][78] The reported proportion of individuals with prostate cancer who meet the aerobic and resistance exercise guidelines varies based on the method used to evaluate exercise levels (objective or self-reported). 28,33,37,[76][77][78] The majority of studies report only on aerobic exercise levels and generally find that individuals with prostate cancer are performing insufficient amounts of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise or physical activity (depending on measurement and definition). 33,37,77 One of the larger studies in prostate cancer is a crosssectional study by Chipperfield et al (2013) that evaluated the aerobic exercise levels of 365…”

“…[24][25][26][27] Despite compelling evidence demonstrating the positive effects that exercise can yield, less than 25% of Canadian prostate cancer survivors currently meet these recommended exercise levels. 28,29 Changing exercise behaviours is a complex process with many barriers identified across individual, organizational and environmental levels that influence exercise adoption and longterm exercise adherence. [30][31][32][33][34] Known barriers to exercise adoption include a lack of access to services (e.g., inconvenient location, high costs, lack of referral), poor knowledge of exercise benefits (of patients and healthcare professionals), and treatment side effects (e.g., fatigue).…”

“…13,[30][31][32]35,36 However, research shows that individuals with prostate cancer have a high willingness to be active and that a window of opportunity for behaviour change or "teachable moment" may exist. 28,[37][38][39][40] Considering that the majority of individuals with prostate cancer do not currently achieve the recommended weekly exercise levels, new efficacious approaches supporting exercise adoption and adherence are needed.…”