A Avancini, Pala V, Krogh V, Sieri S, Mariani L, Cafaro D, Tortora G, Lanza M and Pilotto S
University of Verona, Italy Fondazione IRCCS - Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Italy Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Italy
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Arch Cancer Res
Aim: Physical exercise (EX) provides benefits for cancer survivors. Nevertheless, most cancer survivors are insufficiently active. The purpose of this study is to provide an assessment of EX preferences in the context of a monocentric cohort of oncological patients. Methods: A questionnaire to assess EX preferences, physical activity (PA), demographic and health information was designed for use in cancer patients. Representative sample of patients from the Medical Oncology Unit of the Verona Hospital were asked to anonymously complete the questionnaire. PA behavior was assessed by leisure score index (LSI) using the validated Godin’s leisure time exercise questionnaire (GLTEQ). The EX preferences questions were drawn from Jones and Courneya questionnaire. Results: The percentage of patients resulting sufficiently active (LSI>23) was low (7%). The majority of the patients (51%) expressed strong interest to start a physical exercise program, while 29% expressed less stronger but still a relevant interest in participating in an EX program. Regarding the preferred source of PA information, the oncologist was the preferred category (49%), followed by the physiotherapist (27%). The preferred way of information delivery was face-to-face (77%). Working out in groups was preferred by 42% of patients, whereas 26% choose an individually supervised home program. The preferred composition of EX group was with other cancer patients (27%). The favorite places to exercise were outdoors (32%) or a fitness center for adapted physical activity (28%). Two times/week (45%), and three times/week (31%) were the preferred EX frequencies. Mild was the preferred EX intensity (56%), followed by moderate (39%). Conclusion: Only a small percentage of cancer patients were found to be sufficiently active, but about 80% were willing to start EX programs. These preliminary results encourage interventional studies in order to improve PA in cancer patients, offering personalized options based on patient’s EX preferences.
A Avancini is a Doctor in Preventive and Adapted Exercise Science. She is a PhD student in Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences in University of Verona. Her main interest regards the promotion on healthy lifestyle in healthy people and in persons with chronic disease, in particular in cancer survivors.
E-mail: alice.avancini@univr.it
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