An Investigation into the Physical Activity Experiences of People Living with and beyond Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Andy Pringle, Nicky Kime, Stephen Zwolinsky, Zoe Rutherford and Clare M. P. Roscoe
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Andy Pringle: Human Sciences Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
Nicky Kime: Bradford Institute for Health Research, Temple Bank House, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
Stephen Zwolinsky: West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance, White Rose House, West Parade, Wakefield WF1 1LT, UK
Zoe Rutherford: School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
Clare M. P. Roscoe: Human Sciences Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 5, 1-20

Abstract: This study investigated the physical activity experiences of people living with and beyond cancer (PLWBC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants attended the cancer and rehabilitation exercise (CARE) programme delivered by a football community trust. Staff ( n = 2) and participants ( n = 9) attended semi-structured interviews investigating the PA participation and experiences of attending/delivering different modes of CARE, including exercise classes delivered outdoors and delivered online. Interviews also investigated participant aspirations for returning to CARE sessions delivered in person indoors. The findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions impacted on PA participation, yet exercise sessions provided via CARE offered participants an important opportunity to arrest their inactivity, keep active and maintain their fitness and functionality. Barriers to participation of CARE online included access to IT infrastructure, internet connectivity and IT skills and comfort using IT. Regarding CARE outdoors, the weather, range of equipment, variety of exercises and the lack of toilets and seats were barriers. In the different CARE modes, the skills of delivery staff who were sensitive to the needs of participants, social support, and the need for participants to maintain good mental and social health were important facilitators for engagement and are considerations for programme delivery. CARE helped PLWBC to keep physically active.

Keywords: physical activity; football; intervention; cancer; COVID-19; football community trusts; implementation; qualitative investigation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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