TY - JOUR
T1 - Physical problems, functional limitations, and preferences for physical therapist-guided exercise programs among Dutch patients with metastatic breast cancer
T2 - a mixed methods study
AU - ten Tusscher, M. R.
AU - Groen, W. G.
AU - Geleijn, E.
AU - Sonke, G. S.
AU - Konings, I. R.
AU - Van der Vorst, M. J.
AU - van Zweeden, A.
AU - Aaronson, N. K.
AU - Stuiver, Martijn M.
PY - 2019/8/1
Y1 - 2019/8/1
N2 - Purpose: In this study we aimed (1) to identify the most prevalent physical symptoms and functional limitations that limit physical activity of patients with palliative treatment for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and (2) to identify their preferences for exercise-based physical therapy programs, as a first step towards the development of physical therapist (PT)-guided exercise programs for patients with MBC. Methods: We performed a mixed-method study that comprised a cross-sectional survey and two focus group sessions among patients with MBC. Survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The focus groups were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed independently by two researchers, using directed content analysis. Results: A total of 114 women (response rate 61%) completed the survey (mean age 63.5, SD 10.2). Eighty-six percent of the women reported at least some level of physical problems limiting their ability to be physically active, of whom 46% reported substantial problems. The most prevalent problems were fatigue, painful joints, painful muscles, and shortness of breath. Uptake of exercise appeared to be limited. Exercise preferences varied strongly. Fifty-three percent indicated a preference for some form of PT-supervision, and 34% for a prolonged period of time (> 8 weeks). Focus group results clarified that patients’ preferences for supervision, by PTs with special qualifications in oncology, were related to feelings of insecurity about their ability to self-manage physical functioning. Conclusions: Patients with MBC experience a broad range of physical health problems that limit their ability to be physically active. While preferences vary strongly, patients with MBC would value the availability of high quality, PT-guided, tailored exercise programs.
AB - Purpose: In this study we aimed (1) to identify the most prevalent physical symptoms and functional limitations that limit physical activity of patients with palliative treatment for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and (2) to identify their preferences for exercise-based physical therapy programs, as a first step towards the development of physical therapist (PT)-guided exercise programs for patients with MBC. Methods: We performed a mixed-method study that comprised a cross-sectional survey and two focus group sessions among patients with MBC. Survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The focus groups were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed independently by two researchers, using directed content analysis. Results: A total of 114 women (response rate 61%) completed the survey (mean age 63.5, SD 10.2). Eighty-six percent of the women reported at least some level of physical problems limiting their ability to be physically active, of whom 46% reported substantial problems. The most prevalent problems were fatigue, painful joints, painful muscles, and shortness of breath. Uptake of exercise appeared to be limited. Exercise preferences varied strongly. Fifty-three percent indicated a preference for some form of PT-supervision, and 34% for a prolonged period of time (> 8 weeks). Focus group results clarified that patients’ preferences for supervision, by PTs with special qualifications in oncology, were related to feelings of insecurity about their ability to self-manage physical functioning. Conclusions: Patients with MBC experience a broad range of physical health problems that limit their ability to be physically active. While preferences vary strongly, patients with MBC would value the availability of high quality, PT-guided, tailored exercise programs.
KW - Adult
KW - Aged
KW - Aged, 80 and over
KW - Breast Neoplasms/physiopathology
KW - Cross-Sectional Studies
KW - Exercise
KW - Exercise Therapy/methods
KW - Fatigue/etiology
KW - Female
KW - Functional limitations
KW - Humans
KW - Metastatic breast cancer
KW - Middle Aged
KW - Patient Preference
KW - Physical Therapists
KW - Physical therapy
KW - Quality of life
KW - Surveys and Questionnaires
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85059522697&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85059522697&origin=inward
UR - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30610432
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4619-x
DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4619-x
M3 - Article
C2 - 30610432
SN - 0941-4355
VL - 27
SP - 3061
EP - 3070
JO - Supportive Care in Cancer
JF - Supportive Care in Cancer
IS - 8
ER -