Determinants for Exercise Adherence and Maintenance for Cancer Survivors: Implementation of a Community-based Exercise Program. A Quality Feasibility Study

Abstract PurposeResearch verifies that physical exercise plays an important part in recovery after cancer treatment. Despite this knowledge, multiple studies have shown that maintaining a physically active lifestyle after cancer is challenging. There is a need for effective implementation of exercise programs for cancer survivors in community care, with focus on exercise adherence and maintenance. This qualitative descriptive feasibility study explores experiences from the implementation of a four-month community-based exercise program for cancer survivors after completion of rehabilitation in the specialist health care service. MethodsFocus group interviews of fourteen cancer survivors after completing Rehabilitation: Physical activity and Coping, feasibility study. Data were analyzed using the systematic text condensation method. ResultsThe category determinates for exercise adherence and maintenance added four subcategories: peer-support, environment, structure and knowledge. ConclusionsA social and supportive exercise environment is important for exercise adherence and maintenance among cancer survivors. This knowledge can be useful in the further work with implementing high quality community-based exercise program for cancer survivors.