Determinants of physical activity maintenance and the acceptability of a remote coaching intervention following...

The purpose of the study was to investigate perceived determinants of physical activity (PA) maintenance following supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation and the acceptability of a remote coaching intervention during this period.

A phenomenological qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted. Nineteen participants (16 women, 3 men) were recruited from the intervention (n = 12) and control group (n = 7) of a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of remote coaching following hospital-based, supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation. Participants in the intervention group received a 6-month remote coaching intervention after completing the exercise program, aimed at stimulating PA maintenance. The interviews were based on the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation model of Behaviour (COM-B model) and the framework of acceptability (TFA) and were coded using template analysis.

Key themes regarding determinants of PA maintenance were self-efficacy, PA habits, accountability, physical complaints, and facilities. Remote coaching was perceived acceptable because it stimulated PA maintenance by offering a source of structure and social support and thereby increased accountability. Moreover, it improved confidence to perform PA, leading to increased levels of self-efficacy. The remote nature of the intervention was perceived as convenient by some of the participants, while others would have preferred additional physical appointments.

Cancer survivors considered remote coaching acceptable to stimulate PA maintenance following supervised rehabilitation. Interventions should focus on increasing accountability, self-efficacy, forming habits, and helping cancer survivors to overcome barriers.

The ability to maintain PA beyond supervised exercise oncology programs depends on many determinants. Remote coaching interventions have potential to target individually relevant determinants following exercise programs in cancer survivors.