Preferences and engagement with physical activity resources among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has imposed additional barriers to physical activity (PA) in cancer survivors. Adaptations to PA programmes are needed during the pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) the PA preferences of cancer survivors prior to and during the pandemic and (2) the available resources to engage in PA during the pandemic.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, cancer survivors were recruited globally to participate in a self-administered survey assessing their PA preferences and available PA resources during the pandemic. Descriptive statistics were used to determine trends in PA preferences and resources. A sub-group analysis was conducted for age, gender, education, and PA levels.ResultsCancer survivors (N = 493) were mainly women (70.4%) diagnosed with breast cancer (29.0%), with a mean age of 48.7 +/- 15.8 years, and 87.1 +/- 81.9 months since diagnosis. Since the start of the pandemic, cancer survivors were primarily walking (82.6%), and performing PA alone (62.7%) and at home (46.6%). Sub-group analysis revealed education level, PA levels, and age to be associated with significant differences in PA preferences. The most common equipment available to survivors in their homes were exercise mats (40.6%) and free weights (39.8%). Few survivors were made aware of at-home PA resources (19.1%), and approximately half indicated wanting to receive these resources (49.6%).ConclusionsUnderstanding cancer survivors' preferences and resources for PA during the pandemic is critical to designing effective home-based interventions. Interventions and recommendations should be tailored based on the level of education and PA participation, as well as age.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical activity preferences and available resources in cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that cancer survivors primarily chose walking, performing physical activity alone, and exercising at home. There were significant differences in physical activity preferences based on education level, physical activity level, and age. The most common exercise equipment available in survivors' homes were exercise mats and free weights. However, only a small percentage of survivors were aware of at-home physical activity resources, and about half indicated a desire to receive these resources.