Understanding In-Person and Online Exercise Oncology Programme Delivery: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Participant Perspectives

Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) is an exercise oncology programme that transitioned from in-person to online delivery during COVID-19. The purpose of this work was to understand participants' experiences in both delivery modes. Specifically, survivors' exercise facilitators and barriers, delivery mode preference, and experience with programme elements targeting behaviour change were gathered. A retrospective cohort design using explanatory sequential mixed methods was used. Briefly, 57 participants completed a survey, and 19 subsequent, optional interviews were conducted. Most participants indicated preferring in-person programmes (58%), followed by online (32%), and no preference (10%). There were significantly fewer barriers to (i.e., commute time) (p < 0.01), but also fewer facilitators of (i.e., social support) (p < 0.01), exercising using the online programme. Four themes were generated from the qualitative data surrounding participant experiences in both delivery modes. Key differences in barriers and facilitators highlighted a more convenient experience online relative to a more socially supportive environment in-person. For future work that includes solely online delivery, focusing on building social support and a sense of community will be critical to optimising programme benefits. Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, results of this research will remain relevant as we aim to increase the reach of online exercise oncology programming to more underserved populations of individuals living with cancer.

Automated summary

This study investigated the experiences of cancer rehabilitation participants in both offline and online delivery modes. The results showed that most participants preferred offline programs, but online programs were more convenient. The study suggested that for future online delivery, building social support and a sense of community would be critical to optimize the rehabilitation effects. This research is important for expanding the coverage of cancer rehabilitation programs.