The impact of physical activity on fatigue and quality of life in lung cancer patients (PAL Study): a qualitative exploration of participant experience.  — ASN Events
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The impact of physical activity on fatigue and quality of life in lung cancer patients (PAL Study): a qualitative exploration of participant experience.  (#829)

Haryana M Dhillon 1 , Jane Turner 1 , Michael Kabourakis 1 , Hidde P van der Ploeg 2 , Janette L Vardy 1 3
  1. University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Department of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  3. Sydney Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia

Background:  The impact of physical activity on function, quality of life and progression free survival of people with incurable lung cancer is unknown. PAL is a randomised controlled trial of a 2-month physical activity intervention in this population, 71 people have been recruited to date.

Aim: To explore people with advanced lung cancers’ experience of the PA program and their perception of its benefits and harms.

Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with PAL participants from one of four hospitals. Interviews were conducted in person or via telephone. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.  Framework analysis was used to develop a coding schema of themes identified from interviews. The coding schema was used to code, chart and analyse the data and compare and contrast how patient experiences differ. 

Results:  Twelve people who had consented to be randomised into the PAL study were interviewed during the 2 (n=7), 4 (n=5) or 6 (n=4) month follow-up visits.  All 12 had a diagnosis of advanced, incurable lung cancer, six were male, aged from 48 – 77 years. Seven received the PA intervention and five the control group.  Sixteen interviews were completed; four people were interviewed twice (three at 4 and 6 months, one at 2 and 4 months). Walking was the most common PA reports, some participants did a range of activities.

The main themes identified included: empowerment; confidence; independence; physical and mental well-being; and hope. Most important parts of the PA program: support from PA consultants to start exercising; learning how to manage PA and side effects, particularly dyspnoea. Participants reported benefits derived from active anti-cancer treatments as well as PA and it is difficult to disentangle the impact of one intervention from the other.

Conclusions: People with advanced lung cancer are willing to participate in PA and some perceive it enhances physical and mental well-being. They describe feeling hopeful but not expectant about the future. Support from a trained PA consultant was s important to start and maintain PA. Recruitment and follow-up for the PAL study continue.