Journal Article

DKFZ-2026-01780

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png A qualitative analysis of cancer patients' views on facilitators and barriers for the implementation of oncological exercise therapy.

Morlok, D. ; Rüter, J. ; Illmann, M.DKFZ* ; Bieniosek, L. ; Welker, C. ; Reitz, M. ; Meuer, J. ; Okon, T. ; Baurecht, H. ; Herr, W. ; Pukrop, T. ; Brandes, M. ; Berling-Ernst, A. ; Sell, L. ; Jensen, W. ; Zimmer, R. ; Schmidt, H. ; Wagemann, F. ; Stark, R. ; Kleinhenz, A. ; Madl, B. ; Zeeb, H. ; Leitzmann, M. ; Baumann, F. T. ; Herrmann, A. ; consortium, I. (Collaboration Author)

2026
Springer New York,NY

Abstract: Oncological exercise therapy (OET) can enhance physical function and psychosocial well-being of cancer patients. Despite this, OET is still not routinely implemented in cancer care. To address this gap, our study analyzes cancer patients' perspectives on facilitators and barriers for OET participation.This qualitative study employed semi-structured focus groups and was conducted within the IMPLEMENT research consortium. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using framework analysis.Thirty cancer patients (mean age 57 ± 7 years; 53% women) participated, and most were diagnosed with breast cancer (20%), lymphoma or leukemia (20%), or pancreatic cancer (13%). Participants reported being motivated to become physically active, even when no OET was available. However, they received limited information about physical activity (PA), specifically about OET. They also felt there was a lack of OET offers from healthcare providers. Participation could be increased by improved accessibility involving informational and structural factors, fostering adherence by higher perceived safety and self-efficacy, and by providing individually tailored and low-threshold information for patients.OET could be a valuable opportunity to support patients throughout their cancer trajectory. To increase participation and promote PA uptake, individually tailored support should be provided in terms of personalized guidance by healthcare practitioners and easily accessible OET offers.German Clinical Trial Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien-DRKS 00032292), registered 19/07/2023. Clinical Trials Registry (NCT06496711), registered 22/05/2024. Bavarian Cancer Research Center (Bayerisches Krebsforschungszentrum (BZKF) DZ-2024-2165-9), registered 07/06/2024.

Keyword(s): Humans (MeSH) ; Female (MeSH) ; Middle Aged (MeSH) ; Focus Groups (MeSH) ; Neoplasms: psychology (MeSH) ; Neoplasms: therapy (MeSH) ; Male (MeSH) ; Qualitative Research (MeSH) ; Exercise Therapy: psychology (MeSH) ; Exercise Therapy: methods (MeSH) ; Aged (MeSH) ; Exercise: psychology (MeSH) ; Motivation (MeSH) ; Self Efficacy (MeSH) ; Cancer ; Exercise ; Implementation ; Physical activity ; Tertiary prevention

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Bewegung, Krebsprävention und Survivorship (C110)

Research Program(s):

1. 313 - Krebsrisikofaktoren und Prävention (POF4-313) (POF4-313)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; DEAL Springer ; DEAL Springer ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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