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Exercise as a supportive therapy in incurable cancer: exploring patient preferences
Matthew Maddocks1, Sarah Armstrong, Andrew Wilcock
1Department of Palliative Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK.
Psycho-Oncology
|March 25, 2010
Summary
Therapeutic exercise is a practical option for patients with incurable cancer. Most patients found exercise programs acceptable, with preferences for home-based, unsupervised activities like walking or resistance training.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Exercise Science
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Therapeutic exercise shows potential benefits for incurable cancer patients.
- Limited data exists on the practicality and patient acceptance of exercise interventions in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the acceptability of various exercise programs for incurable cancer patients.
- To identify preferred exercise types, delivery methods, locations, and timing relative to treatments.
- To examine how patient characteristics influence exercise program choices.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire assessed patient capability and preparedness for six illustrated exercise programs.
- Data collection included preferences for delivery, location, and timing.
- Statistical analysis involved frequency counts, percentages, and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 200 patients with incurable cancers, mostly on palliative chemotherapy, participated.
- All patients felt capable of some exercise; two-thirds were prepared to start immediately.
- Preferred programs included neuromuscular electrical stimulation, walking, and resistance training, with a preference for home-based, unsupervised exercise.
Conclusions:
- Exercise is a realistic supportive therapy for incurable cancer patients, including those undergoing chemotherapy.
- Findings can guide future research and development of exercise interventions in palliative oncology.
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