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Integrating physical activity into chemotherapy care: Recommendations from a qualitative analysis using the behaviour change wheel
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Integrating physical activity into chemotherapy care: Recommendations from a qualitative analysis using the behaviour change wheel

Kellie Toohey, Rebecca Cesnik, Brea Kunstler, Nicole Freene and Stuart Semple
European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society, Vol.81, pp.1-12
04/2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2026.103140
PMID: 41687208
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract

Barriers Cancer Chemotherapy Exercise Implementation Physical activity
Introduction: It is established that physical activity (PA) during chemotherapy confers many benefits to patients, however engagement in PA is generally limited. The study objectives are to analyse the barriers to PA during chemotherapy and provide recommendations for integrating PA into clinical practice. Methods: This study utilised data from 40 cancer care clinicians, ten carers and 23 people undergoing chemotherapy in the ‘Experiences of PA during Chemotherapy (EPAC)’ study. Barriers and facilitators to PA were extracted from ten focus group transcripts and 37 interviews, and mapped to the theoretical domains framework and behaviour change wheel (BCW). Following the BCW process supported the development of intervention design to facilitate increased PA across the socio-ecological layers of the health system. Results: This study identified 54 barriers that cross all domains of capability, opportunity and motivation, theoretical domains framework and socio-ecological model; demonstrating the broadness and complexity of integrating PA into standard chemotherapy care. The study proposes two broad and connected interventions that may support increased PA during chemotherapy: organisational led support to improve skills, knowledge and confidence of PA for clinicians; and embedding exercise specialists into the multidisciplinary cancer care team. Conclusion: Integrating PA into oncology at the treatment stage is a complex process requiring a multi-level approach. Increasing access to exercise specialists and supporting all members of the MDT to provide individual PA education and support will address many of the barriers to integrating PA into standard chemotherapy care.

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