“Doing What Only I Can Do”: Experiences From Participating in a Multimodal Exercise-Based Intervention in Older Patients With Advanced Cancer—A Qualitative Explorative Study

Conclusions The participants experienced several benefits from participation, including physical improvements, increased energy, reduction of symptoms, and improved social engagement. Goal setting, being positively pushed and cheered on, and integration of fun games increased motivation. In contrast, being pushed beyond physical limitations and experiencing severe symptoms were experienced as barriers toward exercising. Adherence to the exercise program was facilitated by coordinating a tailored program with medical appointments and receiving comprehensive support and guidance. Implications for Practice Multimodal exercise programs seem to be beneficial for older patients with advanced cancer and should be coordinated with oncological treatment in combination with targeted support and advice on symptom management.
Source: Cancer Nursing - Category: Nursing Tags: ARTICLES: ONLINE ONLY Source Type: research