Motivation and preferences of cancer patients to perform physical training

The aims of this cross-sectional study were to investigate the knowledge about and experience with exercise as well as the motivation and preferences (e.g. availability) of cancer patients to participate in training groups.

From 11/2017-06/2018, 181 cancer patients undergoing or completing treatment responded to a compiled questionnaire. The stage of motivation (transtheoretical model of behavioural change), exercise-related knowledge, experience and preferences were evaluated.

Knowledge about the positive effects of exercise was not associated with higher motivation stages. Higher motivation stages showed significant correlations with age (p = 0.044), exercise experience before cancer disease onset (p = 0.022) and exercise experience during cancer therapy (p = 0.013). For 59% of patients, group offers were an attractive option. Physically inactive patients preferred specialised cancer exercise groups (p = 0.002), whereas physically active patients preferred cross-disease rehabilitation exercise groups (p = 0.034) and exercise groups with healthy people (p = 0.018).

Results indicate that motivation of cancer patients for exercise depends on their experiences with physical training before and during disease treatment. Motivation could be increased by integrating exercise programmes during cancer therapy. These programmes should focus on patients inexperienced in physical training.