How to promote physical activity maintenance after an exercise-training program in cancer patients?

Objective Following a specific exercise program is beneficial to cancer patients because it can impact on health status, quality of life, symptoms and recurrence of cancer. Identifying barriers to exercise implementation and follow-up exercise behaviour can help maintaining regular physical activity levels. By searching for these barriers, we investigate how to improve maintenance of physical activity after a local exercise-training program in order to highlight practical solutions to improve it. Material/patients and methods This retrospective observational study includes patients who completed the local 24 sessions endurance and strength training program CAP’FORME in Mulhouse hospital, whatever their form of cancer. Their physical activity score using the Ricci and Gagnon questionnaire is measured before the program and at follow-up. The barriers and incentives to continue exercising are recorded using a telephone-based questionnaire designed using theories in existing literature. Additionally, patients can choose between a series of concrete suggestions that would in their opinion improve exercise maintenance. Results Patients had a mean 12 months follow-up after the program. The Ricci and Gagnon score compared with the initial measure highlights the maintenance or the reduction of physical activity levels. Some specific motivational factors were found including physical, psychological and educational. Barriers to continue exercising after the program included socio-economical factors. Patients underlined several practical suggestions, which would encourage them to maintain a regular physical activity after the program. Secondary analysis using 6 minutes walking test and quality of life showed an improvement before and immediately after the program. Discussion–conclusion The CAP’FORME local program seems to improve physical capacities and quality of life for cancer patients. The barriers and incentives reported in the questionnaire are consistent with existing literature. Some of the practical suggestions chosen by patients, such as therapeutic patient education and a stronger follow-up are possible leads to improve the CAP’FORME exercise-training program.