Exploring experiences of exercise in young people with cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring experiences and attitudes towards exercise in young people with cancer; is there a role for virtual reality?
IRAS ID
292757
Contact name
Leighton Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Hallam University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/ZJCBT, Open Science Framework
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 3 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Physical inactivity has been shown to exacerbate negative side effects experienced by paediatric patients undergoing cancer treatment (Rustler et al., 2017). Less than 50% of young people with cancer achieve the recommendations for physical activity (e.g., Stolley et al., 2010), and evidence indicates positive physiological and psychological outcomes resulting from engaging in exercise during treatment.
We are seeking to better understand the experiences and attitudes towards exercise of young people undergoing treatment for cancer. These experiences and attitudes might highlight numerous barriers (e.g., access to services) but it is the psychological experiences of exercise that we are predominantly concerned with (e.g., pain, self-confidence, motivation). The experiences and attitudes of the patients will provide insight into the most suitable strategies to help overcome these barriers within this context and population.
There is strong evidence to indicate that a leading factor in exercise adherence is the pleasure experienced during exercise itself. Therefore, we are seeking to understand how we can develop more positive and pleasant exercise experiences. Virtual reality (VR) has shown some initial promise when used during exercise, but no studies have explored its use in this population and context. By firstly understanding the experiences and attitudes of this group towards exercise, and secondly, understanding how this population might engage with this VR technology during exercise, we can seek to make recommendations on how to develop appropriate virtual reality content with the aim of promoting greater exercise adherence.Summary of Results
Exploring experiences of exercise in young people with cancer: Is there a role for virtual reality?
This study was carried out by researchers at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
Physical inactivity has been shown to exacerbate negative side effects experienced by young patients undergoing cancer treatment. Less than 50% of young people with cancer achieve the recommendations for physical activity. This study sought to explore young people (13-18 years) with cancer’s attitudes and experiences of exercise, and how virtual reality (VR) could be utilized with exercise. Patients were recruited from Sheffield Children's Hospital during 2021 and 2022. Interviews were conducted pre-and post-VR demonstration. The first interview explored patients’ attitudes towards exercise while undergoing treatment for cancer. The demonstration of VR included 360° videos, computer games, and an exercise-based platform. The second interview explored patients’ reflections about VR and the possible role it could play as part of exercise within their cancer journey. For the Results, participants held positive attitudes towards exercise as it was regarded as a way to “get back to normal” following cancer. Barriers relating to cancer treatment disturbing previous routines, lack of mental and physical capability, and negative mood were raised. Patients suggested that VR could provide an “escape” and a way to connect with others while isolated. Patients’ prior experience of gaming linked to gamification of VR to promote enjoyable exercise. This study offers detailed insight into experiences of young people with cancer and how VR could be a positive adjunct to exercise. Further research is planned to develop VR content to help promote pleasant exercise experiences. The Chief Investigator can be contacted for additional information on the study.REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0729
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion