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Review
. 2024 Jan 4:4:1298553.
doi: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1298553. eCollection 2023.

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

Julie Young  1   2 , Anna Lloyd  1 , Erna Haraldsdottir  2
Affiliations
Review

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

Julie Young et al. Front Rehabil Sci. .

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 2nd January to 8th January 2023 for relevant studies. Qualitative studies investigating the experience of exercise as an intervention for adults with advanced cancer 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.

Conclusion: 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.

Keywords: advanced cancer; exercise intervention; experiences; meta-synthesis; palliative care; qualitative analysis; rehabilitation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart of literature search process, identifying studies extracted, included and excluded at different phases of screening. Adapted from PRISMA (17).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Definitions of first, second and third-order construct (10).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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