"Your Body Is Not At All Where You Left It": Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Experiences Transitioning Back Into Physical Activity After Treatment. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vani, Madison F.; Sabiston, Catherine M.; Santa Mina, Daniel; Trinh, Linda
• Is Part Of: Qualitative health research. Volume 32:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 998
• Page End: 1013
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: adolescents -- physical activity -- oncology -- qualitative interviews -- young adults; Health -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 610.7205
• DOI: 10.1177/10497323221089855
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-7323

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) can help manage cancer treatment-related side effects and improve well-being following treatment; however, resuming PA after a period of inactivity due to cancer can be challenging. The purpose of this study was to explore adolescents and young adults (AYAs) experiences transitioning back into PA after a period of inactivity due to cancer treatment. Twelve previously active AYAs ( M age = 30 ± 5.8 years) were purposefully sampled and engaged in a semi-structured interview. The following four themes were generated through a reflexive thematic analysis: PA is described as important and valuable; navigating one's appearance and fitness changes after cancer treatment within the PA context; supportive care is essential to successful PA transitions; and juxtaposed environments: fitness facilities, cities, and green spaces. Developing strategies aimed at gradually transitioning into PA should be a priority to improve AYAs' well-being through survivorship.