'Wheels through Nature'
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mobilising in nature for recovery: An exploratory qualitative study about riding electrically assisted bikes in nature to improve health outcomes during and after treatment for cancer
IRAS ID
293611
Contact name
Chrissie Lane
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Highland
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, days
Research summary
Developing effective interventions and self-care programmes to support people to improve their health outcomes during and after cancer treatmentsis a priority within cancer care globally. Managing fatigue and making lifestyle changes to restore health and improve quality of life are also in the top 10 living with and beyond cancer priorities.
We know from other contexts that spending time outdoors in nature can help improve our mental health and well-being. Also undertaking physical activity has many benefits for people who are undergoing cancer treatments or recovering from cancer. These benefits include fewer side effects from cancer treatments, more energy, improved physical functioning, improved confidence, improved mental health and overall better quality of life. However, we do not know if these findings will apply in the setting of this study, which is why we are undertaking this research.
The aim of this feasibility study is to understand the experiences of cycling electrically assited bikes (ebikes) in nature by people affected by cancer to understand if it improves their recovery and wellbeing. People will be recruited who are undergoing cancer treatments or who have done so in the past two years.
Participants will be lent an ebike from the local bike shops in appropriate venues across Highland. They will be supported to undertake 10 ebike rides in nature. They will be asked to take a Go Pro video of two of their rides. Then the researcher will undertake an indepth interview with the participant about their experiences as they watch and listen to the video together.
Participants will be asked to keep a diary of how much time during this 10 week period they are spending in nature. Their responses will be submitted on paper or online.
Qualitative analysis will be undertaken on responses. Findings will be published and presented to ensure wider learning.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
21/WA/0130
Date of REC Opinion
26 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion