Self-reported physical activity behaviour; exercise motivation and information among Danish adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Background: Physical activity is considered an important and determining factor for the cancer patient's physical well-being and quality of life. However, cancer treatment may disrupt the practice of physical activity, and the prevention of sedentary lifestyles in cancer survivors is imperative. Purpose: The current study aimed at investigating self-reported physical activity behaviour, exercise motivation and information in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods and sample: Using a cross-sectional design, 451 patients (18-65 years) completed a questionnaire assessing pre-illness and present physical activity; motivation and information received. Results: Patients reported a significant decline in physical activity from pre-illness to the time in active treatment (p < 0.001). Amongst the respondents, 68% answered that they believed exercise to be beneficial; and 78% claimed not exercising as much as desired. Exercise barriers included fatigue (74%) and physical discomfort (45%). Present physical activity behaviour was associated with pre-illness physical activity behaviour (p < 0.001), exercise belief (p < 0.001), and diagnosis (p < 0.001). More patients <40 years than patients >40 years (OR 0.36, p < 0.001); more men than women (OR 2.12, p < 0.001); and more oncological than haematological patients (OR 0.41, p < 0.001) stated being informed about physical activity. Moreover patients who claimed to have been informed about exercise were more in agreement with being able to exercise while undergoing chemotherapy (OR 1.69, p = 0.023). Conclusions: This study suggests that Danish adult cancer patients in chemotherapy experience a significant decline in physical activity behaviour. Results indicate a general positive interest in physical activity amongst the patients, which however may be only suboptimally exploited.