Article

Despite the evidence to support exercise as an effective management
strategy for patients with cancer-related fatigue (CRF), many of the general
cancer population are sedentary. The aim of this study was to explore
the barriers to and facilitators of exercise among a mixed sample of patients
with CRF. An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative design was used.
METHODS: Purposive sampling methods were used to recruit patients with CRF who
were representative of the cancer trajectory, that is, survivors of cancer and
patients in palliative care who were recently diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
Focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a grounded
theory approach. Lower-level concepts were identified and ordered into
subcategories. Related subcategories then were grouped to form the main
categories, which were linked to the core category. RESULTS: Five focus groups
were conducted with 26 participants. Within the core category of the cancer
rehabilitation journey were 3 main categories: (1) exercise barriers, (2)
exercise facilitators, and (3) motivators of exercise. Exercise barriers were
mainly related to treatment side effects, particularly fatigue. Fatigue was
associated with additional barriers such as physical deconditioning, social
isolation, and the difficulty of making exercise a routine. Environmental factors
and the timing of exercise initiation also were barriers. Exercise facilitators
included an exercise program being group-based, supervised, individually
tailored, and gradually progressed. Exercise motivators were related to perceived
exercise benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with CRF have numerous barriers to
exercise, both during and following treatment.
The exercise facilitators
identified in this study provide solutions to these barriers and may assist with
the uptake and maintenance of exercise programs. These findings will aid physical
therapists in designing appropriate exercise programs for patients with CRF.

Langue : ANGLAIS