AUTHOR=Young Julie , Lloyd Anna , Haraldsdottir Erna 

TITLE=A qualitative meta-synthesis of studies of patients' experience of exercise interventions in advanced cancer

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences

VOLUME=Volume 4 - 2023

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitation-sciences/articles/10.3389/fresc.2023.1298553

DOI=10.3389/fresc.2023.1298553

ISSN=2673-6861

ABSTRACT=Background: People with advanced cancer often experience reduced functional capacity and quality of life. Research evaluating the potential benefit of exercise programmes for limiting such decline is accumulating. However, an appraisal of the evidence that considers the patient experience of exercise programmes, what mattered to them and what motivated and encouraged them to engage in exercise, has not been published. The aim of this meta-synthesis was to identify, appraise and bring together evidence from qualitative research in this area.Methods: Four databases were searched from 2 nd January to 8 th January 2023 for relevant studies. Qualitative studies investigating adult patients with advanced cancer's experience of exercise interventions were included. Major findings and study characteristics were extracted.Findings were summarised, compared, and synthesised using meta-synthesis.Results: Eight studies were eligible and generated seven sub themes which informed the construction of three key themes: 1) Impact of Delivery Method; 2) Emerging Motivation; and 3) Physical Impact.The analysis revealed that exercise has the potential to positively influence all four dimensions of well-being: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual, for people with advanced cancer. Future research is required to consider the differential impact that the type, volume, and duration of exercise may have on the exercise experience for this patient group.