Feasibility and Acceptability of a Resistance Exercise Intervention: For Women Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Abstract

Resistance exercise can maintain muscle strength & physical functioning in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Few studies examined resistance exercise for reducing the neuromuscular side effects of chemotherapy. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a resistance exercise intervention for women undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer. The data reported are from the final data collection interview of the intervention group (n=47) who participated in a randomized clinical trial testing a resistance exercise intervention for women with breast cancer. Data regarding feasibility and acceptability was collected using an investigator-developed questionnaire consisting of 6 Likert-scale items (range = 1-5), and 4 additional open-ended questions concerning exercise benefits and barriers. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the Likert-scale questions. A mean score of 3.0 or greater indicated that the intervention was acceptable. A content analysis was performed on the open-ended items. Five of six questions exceeded the 3.0 set point indicating women found the remaining aspects of the intervention feasible and acceptable. Challenges in exercise were symptoms, fatigue, and time constraints. The benefits from the exercise program consisted of increased strength and energy, emotional well-being, physical well-being. Study results suggest that resistance exercise intervention conducted during chemotherapy for breast cancer is feasible and acceptable. Social support for exercise was the most important factor in continuing an exercise program during chemotherapy. Study participants can be successfully recruited into a resistance exercise program during chemotherapy for breast cancer. However, stronger emphasis in symptom management during the early phases of the study is needed to prevent study withdrawal.