Physical Activity and Advanced Cancer: The views of Chartered Physiotherapists in Ireland

Objectives: The aims of this study were to a) describe chartered physiotherapists’ views on the role of physical activity for patients with advanced cancer and b) explore the exercise prescription practices of chartered... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives: The aims of this study were to a) describe chartered physiotherapists’ views on the role of physical activity for patients with advanced cancer and b) explore the exercise prescription practices of chartered physiotherapists for patients with advanced cancer.

Methods: A mixed methods study design was used. Physiotherapists treating patients with advanced cancer in Ireland were eligible to participate. An on-line survey instrument was created, which included a) A quantitative section that explored physiotherapists’ views on the role of physical activity for patients with advanced cancer, and b) A qualitative section that explored physiotherapists’ prescription of physical activity for two patient case studies. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.This study protocol was approved by the Trinity College Faculty of Health Sciences Ethics Committee.

Results: In total, 38 physiotherapists completed the study. Almost all (n=36 (94%)) physiotherapists agreed with the statement “being physically active is important for patients with advanced cancer”, however the majority (n=30 (80%)) stated that there was a need for further information to guide exercise prescription for patients with advanced cancer. Content analysis of case study responses demonstrated physiotherapists have a number of concerns regarding the prescription of physical activity to patients with bone metastasis. The most commonly reported concerns were increased fracture risk, the co-existence of osteoporosis and the risk of falls in this patient group.

Conclusion: While the majority of physiotherapists perceived physical activity to be of benefit for patients living with advanced cancer, varying levels of confidence in prescribing physical activity to patients with metastatic disease were expressed. This may result in poor implementation of the positive findings of previous research studies in the clinical setting. There is a need for more education and training around the prescription of physical activity programmes to advanced cancer populations.