Dataset Information

PERSPECTIVEs on supervised exercise programs in people with metastatic breast cancer- a qualitative study in four European countries.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Supervised exercise is a potentially promising supportive care intervention for people with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), but research on the patients' perspective is limited. The aim of the current focus group study was to gain an in-depth understanding of MBC patients' perceived barriers, facilitators, and preferences for supervised exercise programs.

Methods

Eleven online focus groups with, in total, 44 MBC patients were conducted in four European countries (Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden). Main topics of the semi-structured discussions covered attitudes towards participation in supervised exercise programs, perceived facilitators, experienced barriers, and exercise preferences. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and coded based on a preliminary coding framework, supplemented by themes emerging during the sessions. The codes were subsequently examined for interrelations and re-organized into overarching clusters.

Results

Participants had positive attitudes towards exercise, but experienced physical limitations and insecurities that inhibited their participation. They expressed a strong desire for exercise tailored to their needs, and supervision by an exercise professional. Participants also highlighted the social nature of group training as an important facilitator. They had no clear preference for exercise type, but rather favored a mixture of different activities. Flexible training modules were considered helpful to increase exercise program adherence.

Conclusions

MBC patients were generally interested in supervised exercise programs. They preferred group exercise that facilitates social interaction, but also expressed a need for individualized exercise programs. This suggests the relevance to develop flexible exercise programs that are adjusted to the individual's needs, abilities, and preferences.

SUBMITTER: Depenbusch J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10115708 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

PERSPECTIVEs on supervised exercise programs in people with metastatic breast cancer- a qualitative study in four European countries.

Depenbusch Johanna J Sweegers Maike G MG Aaronson Neil K NK Wengström Yvonne Y Backman Malin M Arraras Juan I JI Schranz Melanie M Büchler Britta B Lachowicz Milena M May Anne M AM Steindorf Karen K Stuiver Martijn M MM

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer 20230419 5

<h4>Purpose</h4>Supervised exercise is a potentially promising supportive care intervention for people with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), but research on the patients' perspective is limited. The aim of the current focus group study was to gain an in-depth understanding of MBC patients' perceived barriers, facilitators, and preferences for supervised exercise programs.<h4>Methods</h4>Eleven online focus groups with, in total, 44 MBC patients were conducted in four European countries (Germany, ...[more]

PMID: 37074497

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Dataset Information

PERSPECTIVEs on supervised exercise programs in people with metastatic breast cancer- a qualitative study in four European countries.

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

PERSPECTIVEs on supervised exercise programs in people with metastatic breast cancer- a qualitative study in four European countries.

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