Marta Kramer Mikkelsen1, Dorte Lisbet Nielsen2, Anders Vinther3, Cecilia Margareta Lund4, Mary Jarden5. 1. Department of Oncology and Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730, Herlev, Denmark. Electronic address: marta.kramer.mikkelsen.02@regionh.dk. 2. Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730, Herlev, Denmark. Electronic address: dorte.nielsen.01@regionh.dk. 3. Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730, Herlev, Denmark; QD-Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730, Herlev, Denmark. Electronic address: anders.vinther@regionh.dk. 4. Department of Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730, Herlev, Denmark. Electronic address: cecilia.margareta.lund.01@regionh.dk. 5. Department of Oncology and Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. Electronic address: mary.jarden@regionh.dk.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Older patients with cancer are underrepresented in exercise-based trials. To engage older patients in physical activity (PA), it is necessary to consider age-related decline in health, comorbidities and practicalities. The study aim was to explore attitudes towards PA and exercise among older patients with cancer to inform future exercise-based interventions. METHOD: Individual interviews (N = 23) were conducted in patients ≥ 65 years with advanced lung, biliary tract and pancreatic cancer receiving palliative oncological treatment. Patients were recruited with a purposive sampling strategy. A semi-structured interview guide focusing on attitudes towards PA and exercise, including barriers, facilitators and motivators, was used. Data on the informants' medical history, demographics and PA level was collected. RESULTS: Identified themes were: 1) a general positive perception of physical activity is expressed 2) comorbidities and external circumstances prevent physical activity, 3) fatigue overshadows life, 4) social support is key to short and long-term motivation, 5) fixed conditions keep one focused, 6) familiarity raises confidence and motivation. CONCLUSIONS: Even though perceptions of PA were positive among older patients with cancer, most struggled to stay physically active during oncological treatment. Several factors related to cancer and aging were identified as barriers; most profoundly was the overwhelming feeling of fatigue. Improving physical and mental well-being, fixed conditions (e.g. group-based exercise and supervision) and social support were identified as motivators and facilitators. Preferences for PA varied, but activities that were familiar increased motivation. Exercise programs for older patients with cancer must be adjustable to each patient's limitations, needs and personal resources.
PURPOSE: Older patients with cancer are underrepresented in exercise-based trials. To engage older patients in physical activity (PA), it is necessary to consider age-related decline in health, comorbidities and practicalities. The study aim was to explore attitudes towards PA and exercise among older patients with cancer to inform future exercise-based interventions. METHOD: Individual interviews (N = 23) were conducted in patients ≥ 65 years with advanced lung, biliary tract and pancreatic cancer receiving palliative oncological treatment. Patients were recruited with a purposive sampling strategy. A semi-structured interview guide focusing on attitudes towards PA and exercise, including barriers, facilitators and motivators, was used. Data on the informants' medical history, demographics and PA level was collected. RESULTS: Identified themes were: 1) a general positive perception of physical activity is expressed 2) comorbidities and external circumstances prevent physical activity, 3) fatigue overshadows life, 4) social support is key to short and long-term motivation, 5) fixed conditions keep one focused, 6) familiarity raises confidence and motivation. CONCLUSIONS: Even though perceptions of PA were positive among older patients with cancer, most struggled to stay physically active during oncological treatment. Several factors related to cancer and aging were identified as barriers; most profoundly was the overwhelming feeling of fatigue. Improving physical and mental well-being, fixed conditions (e.g. group-based exercise and supervision) and social support were identified as motivators and facilitators. Preferences for PA varied, but activities that were familiar increased motivation. Exercise programs for older patients with cancer must be adjustable to each patient's limitations, needs and personal resources.
Authors: Marta K Mikkelsen; Cecilia M Lund; Anders Vinther; Anders Tolver; Julia S Johansen; Inna Chen; Anne-Mette Ragle; Bo Zerahn; Lotte Engell-Noerregaard; Finn O Larsen; Susann Theile; Dorte L Nielsen; Mary Jarden Journal: Oncologist Date: 2022-02-03 Impact factor: 5.837
Authors: J Frikkel; M Beckmann; N De Lazzari; M Götte; S Kasper; J Hense; M Schuler; M Teufel; M Tewes Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2021-02-19 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Manuel Ester; S Nicole Culos-Reed; Amane Abdul-Razzak; Julia T Daun; Delaney Duchek; George Francis; Gwyn Bebb; Jennifer Black; Audra Arlain; Chelsia Gillis; Lyle Galloway; Lauren C Capozzi Journal: BMC Cancer Date: 2021-02-13 Impact factor: 4.430
Authors: Holly E L Evans; Cynthia C Forbes; Corneel Vandelanotte; Daniel A Galvão; Robert U Newton; Gary Wittert; Suzanne Chambers; Ganessan Kichenadasse; Nicholas Brook; Danielle Girard; Camille E Short Journal: Int J Behav Med Date: 2020-09-23
Authors: Teresa Zetzl; Andre Pittig; Agnes Renner; Birgitt van Oorschot; Elisabeth Jentschke Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2021-06-22 Impact factor: 3.603