Perceived Changes to Quality of Life Indicators Following a Physical Activity Intervention for Recovering Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study

Background: Evidence suggests that physical activity can improve the quality of life (QoL) of recovering cancer patients, reducing many of the side effects of cancer and its related treatments.

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the perceived changes to the QoL for a group of recovering cancer patients, following six months of physical activity.

Method: A qualitative study with 14 mixed-site cancer patients aged 43-70 (12 women, 2 men). The intervention was in two parts: 1) an eight-week physical activity program; and 2) a period of non-supervised, physical activity for four months (six months in total). Semi-structured interviews with patients took place three times over six months. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data.

Results: Prior to the physical activity intervention, many of the patients were anxious about being able to complete the initial eight-week program. Anxieties related to low self-esteem and the chronic fatigue resulting from their cancer treatment. Several patients expressed concerns about their ability to help themselves self-manage their recovery through physical activity. On completion of the intervention the majority of patients reported improvements in their perceived QoL relating to their ability to self-manage, their self-efficacy and energy levels, and decreases in chronic fatigue.

Conclusion: Our study provides valuable insights into how the perceived QoL of a group of recovering cancer patients can be improved through a combined six-month period of supervised and independent physical activity. These findings serve as further evidence of the effectiveness of a person-centered healthcare approach for recovering cancer patients.