Factors influencing physical activity during chemotherapy:version 1.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the factors which might influence people's ability to maintain their physical activity levels during chemotherapy treatment for soft tissue sarcoma
IRAS ID
151551
Contact name
Clare Shaw
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 15 days
Research summary
This study is a qualitative piece of research using semi structured interviews to explore the factors which influence people's physical activity levels as they undergo chemotherapy. The term 'physical activity' has purposefully been chosen rather than 'exercise' because it is recognised that people can lead an active lifestyle without completing activities typically thought of as exercise such as swimming or cycling. Existing research suggests that when people are diagnosed with cancer they become more sedentary despite the growing amount of evidence supporting the role regular physical activity can play in alleviating side effects such as depression and fatigue as well as improving patient's ability to cope with their treatment. This study will be carried out with people with a soft tissue sarcoma which is a rare cancer affecting connective tissue such as fat and muscles throughout the body. This cancer group has been selected because there is currently no research looking at exercise or rehabilitation needs with this patient group. Selected patients will be interviewed to find out whether they are able to maintain their usual level of physical activity as they receive chemotherapy treatment. The study will also look at whether remaining physically active is an important goal for participants and whether they feel they would benefit from any form of support to help them achieve their physical activity goals. The interview data will be analysed using thematic analysis.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
14/NS/1016
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion