Physical activity levels of lung cancer survivors
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Physical activity levels of lung cancer survivors

Elizabeth Schofield Oncology physiotherapist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London
Corrine Ward Clinical specialist physiotherapist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London
Mary Hickson Therapy research lead, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London
Sarah Elkin Lead consultant respiratory physician, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London

Elizabeth Schofield and colleagues investigated the likelihood of patients who had undergone surgery and those who had other treatments attending exercise classes

The aim of this service evaluation was to establish current activity levels of lung cancer survivors and determine whether having surgery influenced the likelihood of their attending exercise classes.

A survey was developed to include questions on activity levels pre- and post-treatment, and willingness to participate in post-treatment exercise. Results were reported using descriptive statistics.

Of 64 surveys distributed, 39 (61%) were returned. Of surgical survivors, 33% reported no limit on everyday activities and 81% a lack of willingness to participate in exercise classes during the three months post-surgery. Non-surgical survivors cited physiological symptoms of weakness (38%) and fatigue (38%) as barriers to exercise class attendance, whereas surgical survivors cited fatigue (22%), weakness (26%) and pain (22%). Contrary to hypothesis, most (81%) surgical survivors did not want to attend exercise classes during the three months after surgery compared with 40% of non-surgical survivors.

Pre-treatment activity levels were as predicted. Post?surgical care pathways require evaluation to promote effective symptom control and increased activity.

Cancer Nursing Practice. 13, 7, 31-37. doi: 10.7748/cnp.13.7.31.e1068

Correspondence

libby.schofield@imperial.nhs.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Conflict of interest

Project funding for the lead author’s salary was provided by the North West London Cancer Network. The network had no further influence on the direction of the evaluation or content of published article. All other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare

Received: 17 January 2014

Accepted: 12 August 2014

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