Exercise Levels and Preferences in Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Alice Avancini, Valeria Pala, Ilaria Trestini, Daniela Tregnago, Luigi Mariani, Sabina Sieri, Vittorio Krogh, Marco Boresta, Michele Milella, Sara Pilotto and Massimo Lanza
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Alice Avancini: Department of Medicine, Biomedical, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
Valeria Pala: Department of Research, Epidemiology and Prevention Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
Ilaria Trestini: Medical Oncology Unit, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37134 Verona, Italy
Daniela Tregnago: Medical Oncology Unit, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37134 Verona, Italy
Luigi Mariani: Department of Medical Statistics, Biometry and Bioinformatics, Unit of Clinical Epidemiology and Trial Organization, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
Sabina Sieri: Department of Research, Epidemiology and Prevention Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
Vittorio Krogh: Department of Research, Epidemiology and Prevention Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
Marco Boresta: Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering Antonio Ruberti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Michele Milella: Medical Oncology Unit, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37134 Verona, Italy
Sara Pilotto: Medical Oncology Unit, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37134 Verona, Italy
Massimo Lanza: Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-22

Abstract: Background: Despite the benefits related to physical exercise, large numbers of cancer patients are not sufficiently active. Methods: To investigate exercise levels and preferences in cancer patients, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 392 cancer outpatients who anonymously completed a questionnaire investigating general and medical characteristics, and expressed willingness to participate in exercise programs. Current exercise levels were estimated with the Leisure Score Index (LSI). Results: Most patients (93%) were insufficiently active but 80% declared an interest in exercise programs. Patients preferred oncologist-instructed programs and specified particular exercise needs. Multivariate logistic regression showed that willingness to exercise was associated with education (OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.15–3.04 beyond age 14 years vs. up to 14 years) and current physical activity (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.92–3.63 for sweat-inducing activity >2 times/week vs. <1 time/week). Patients given chemotherapy were less inclined to exercise (OR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.23–0.86) than those who did not. LSI was lower if cancer stage was advanced (β: -0.36; 95% CI: −0.75 to −0.02) than if it was in remission. High LSI was also associated with longer education, lower BMI, and longer time after diagnosis. Conclusion: Cancer patients are insufficiently active but are willing to participate in personalized exercise programs. Information from this survey may help in designing personalized interventions so these patients will achieve sufficient exercise.

Keywords: exercise; cancer; preferences; health promotion; adherence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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