Authors: Knutsen, L.¹; Quist, M.¹; Midtgaard, J.¹; Rorth, M.²; Adamsen, L.¹

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, Volume 16, Number 6, December 2006 , pp. 403-411(9)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Background:

Over the past few years there has been a growing interest in the field of physical exercise in rehabilitation of cancer patients, leading to requirements for objective maximum physical capacity measurement (maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max) and one-repetition maximum (1RM)) to determine dose-response levels in different cancer diagnoses. Aim:

To explore the patients' experiences of maximum physical capacity testing while concurrently undergoing chemotherapy and participating in a 6-week, 9 h weekly multidimensional exercise program. Design and method:

Prospective, exploratory study using semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted prior to and at termination of the program. The study included 100 patients (18-65 years, median 42 years) with or without residual disease and with mixed diagnoses. Results:

Following the intervention, cancer patients felt significantly safer in performing maximum physical capacity tests as these motivated them through self-perceived competitiveness and set a standard that served to encourage peak performance. Conclusion:

The positive attitudes in this sample towards maximum physical capacity open the possibility of introducing physical testing early in the treatment process. However, the patients were self-referred and thus highly motivated and as such are not necessarily representative of the whole population of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.

Keywords: cancer; chemotherapy; exercise tests; experiences; interviews; peak performance; attitudes

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2005.00515.x

Affiliations: 1: The University Hospital's Centre for Nursing and Care Research, The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Department 7331 Copenhagen O, Denmark, 2: Department of Oncology, The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Department 5073, Copenhagen O, Denmark

Publication date: 2006-12-01

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