Determinants of physical activity maintenance and the acceptability of a remote coaching intervention following supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate perceived determinants of physical activity (PA) maintenance following supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation and the acceptability of a remote coaching intervention during this period. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted. Nineteen participants (16 women, 3 men) were recruited from the intervention (n = 12) and control group (n = 7) of a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of remote coaching following hospital-based, supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation. Participants in the intervention group received a 6-month remote coaching intervention after completing the exercise program, aimed at stimulating PA maintenance. The interviews were based on the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation model of Behaviour (COM-B model) and the framework of acceptability (TFA) and were coded using template analysis. Results: Key themes regarding determinants of PA maintenance were self-efficacy, PA habits, accountability, physical complaints, and facilities. Remote coaching was perceived acceptable because it stimulated PA maintenance by offering a source of structure and social support and thereby increased accountability. Moreover, it improved confidence to perform PA, leading to increased levels of self-efficacy. The remote nature of the intervention was perceived as convenient by some of the participants, while others would have preferred additional physical appointments. Conclusions: Cancer survivors considered remote coaching acceptable to stimulate PA maintenance following supervised rehabilitation. Interventions should focus on increasing accountability, self-efficacy, forming habits, and helping cancer survivors to overcome barriers. Implications for Cancer Survivors: The ability to maintain PA beyond supervised exercise oncology programs depends on many determinants. Remote coaching interventions have potential to target individually relevant determinants following exercise programs in cancer survivors.