N Below1, A Fisher2, S Epstone3, J Reynolds3, G Pugh4,5. 1. Centre for Sports & Exercise Medicine, Barts & The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Hospital, London, UK. 2. Department of Behavioural Science & Health, University College London, London, UK. 3. Trekstock, London, UK. 4. Centre for Sports & Exercise Medicine, Barts & The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Hospital, London, UK. g.pugh@qmul.ac.uk. 5. Department of Behavioural Science & Health, University College London, London, UK. g.pugh@qmul.ac.uk.
Abstract
PURPOSE: There is emerging evidence that physical activity interventions have the potential to improve the physical function and psychosocial well-being of young adult cancer survivors. However, most existing interventions for young adult cancer survivors have been delivered in an in-patient hospital setting. The purpose of this study is to explore young adult cancer survivors' (YACS) experiences of the RENEW programme, a 12-week community-based exercise referral scheme delivered by Trekstock, a UK-based cancer charity. METHODS: Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with YACS (mean age, 33 years; 87.5% female) who participated in the RENEW exercise referral programme. Each interview followed the same semi-structured interview guide which asked participants about their experiences of the RENEW programme and their ideas for the future development of the scheme. Data was audio-recorded, transcribed full verbatim and analysed using framework analysis. RESULTS: YACs predominantly chose to take part in the RENEW programme as a means to improve their health and overcome cancer related impairments (e.g. fatigue, loss of strength, low body confidence). The offer of one-to-one tailored support and unlimited gym access was often cited as a factor which motivated enrolment. Overall, YACS experience of the programme was positive with many describing improvements in physical function and general well-being. Barriers to participating in the programme included sign-off from clinicians prior to enrolment, travelling to the gym and fear of exercising alone. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise referral schemes are acceptable to YACS and provide a promising opportunity for young people with cancer to improve their physical and psychosocial health through physical activity.
PURPOSE: There is emerging evidence that physical activity interventions have the potential to improve the physical function and psychosocial well-being of young adult cancer survivors. However, most existing interventions for young adult cancer survivors have been delivered in an in-patient hospital setting. The purpose of this study is to explore young adult cancer survivors' (YACS) experiences of the RENEW programme, a 12-week community-based exercise referral scheme delivered by Trekstock, a UK-based cancer charity. METHODS: Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with YACS (mean age, 33 years; 87.5% female) who participated in the RENEW exercise referral programme. Each interview followed the same semi-structured interview guide which asked participants about their experiences of the RENEW programme and their ideas for the future development of the scheme. Data was audio-recorded, transcribed full verbatim and analysed using framework analysis. RESULTS: YACs predominantly chose to take part in the RENEW programme as a means to improve their health and overcome cancer related impairments (e.g. fatigue, loss of strength, low body confidence). The offer of one-to-one tailored support and unlimited gym access was often cited as a factor which motivated enrolment. Overall, YACS experience of the programme was positive with many describing improvements in physical function and general well-being. Barriers to participating in the programme included sign-off from clinicians prior to enrolment, travelling to the gym and fear of exercising alone. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise referral schemes are acceptable to YACS and provide a promising opportunity for young people with cancer to improve their physical and psychosocial health through physical activity.
Entities:
Keywords:
Adherence; Barriers; Compliance; Exercise programme; Physical activity; Qualitative evaluation; Young adult cancer survivors
Authors: Nadine Ungar; Laura Schmidt; Martina Gabrian; Alexander Haussmann; Angeliki Tsiouris; Monika Sieverding; Karen Steindorf; Joachim Wiskemann Journal: J Behav Med Date: 2018-10-23
Authors: Daniel Y T Fong; Judy W C Ho; Bryant P H Hui; Antoinette M Lee; Duncan J Macfarlane; Sharron S K Leung; Ester Cerin; Wynnie Y Y Chan; Ivy P F Leung; Sharon H S Lam; Aliki J Taylor; Kar-keung Cheng Journal: BMJ Date: 2012-01-30
Authors: Roger Hilfiker; Andre Meichtry; Manuela Eicher; Lina Nilsson Balfe; Ruud H Knols; Martin L Verra; Jan Taeymans Journal: Br J Sports Med Date: 2017-05-13 Impact factor: 13.800