Exercise: A positive feature on functioning in daily life during cancer treatment – Experiences from the Phys-Can study. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ax, Anna-Karin; Johansson, Birgitta; Carlsson, Maria; Nordin, Karin; Börjeson, Sussanne
• Is Part Of: European journal of oncology nursing. Volume 44(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Neoplasms -- Activities -- Social participation -- Exercise -- Rehabilitation; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Research -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Periodicals; Oncology Nursing -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Soins infirmiers -- Périodiques; Cancer -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Cancérologie -- Périodiques; Verpleegkunde; Kanker; Cancer -- Nursing; Cancer -- Research; Oncology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9940231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2019.101713
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-3889

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Impaired functioning due to cancer treatment is a challenge for daily life. Exercise during treatment can improve functioning. However, research describing experiences of how exercise affects activities of daily life is limited. We aimed to explore how individuals with cancer receiving curative treatment and participating in an exercise intervention experienced their functioning in daily life. Methods: Twenty-one participants were recruited from Phys-Can, an exercise intervention study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after the intervention had finished, and data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Two main themes evolved: "Striving to maintain a normal life in a new context" and "Struggling with impairments from side effects of cancer treatment". The supervised group exercise proved popular, and participants reported positive effects on physical and psychological functioning, as well as social and informative support from other participants. Participants struggled with impaired cognitive and physical functioning and exhaustion. They strove to maintain a normal life by adjusting their activities. Conclusions: Perceived physical and psychological benefits from exercise during cancer treatment suggest that exercise should be a part of cancer rehabilitation to facilitate activities and participation in daily life. Striving to maintain a normal life during cancer treatment is vital, and adjustments are needed to maintain activities and participation in daily life. Cancer nurses should motivate patients to engage in physical activity and encourage the introduction of exercise as part of their rehabilitation. They could also support patients in making adjustments to maintain functioning in daily life. Highlights: Cancer treatment affected functioning in daily life, with limited activity and restricted participation. Cancer nurses must be aware of the negative consequences of treatment to provide adequate support during rehabilitation. Exercise during treatment was perceived to improve health, physical and psychological functioning and reduce symptoms. Participants perceived that the exercise improved their self-esteem in performing other activities of daily life.