Effect of a brief physical activity-based presentation by a former patient for men treated with radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: a mixed methods pilot study

Louis Fox,Theresa Wiseman,Declan Cahill,Janette Kinsella,Louisa Fleure,Emily Curtis,Mieke Van Hemelrijck,Nicola Peat

doi:10.1007/s00520-020-05455-4

Abstract

PurposeExisting research indicates that physical activity (PA) is beneficial to men with prostate cancer (PCa). We examined the potential of a single-contact peer-support-based behavioural intervention to promote PA engagement in men treated for PCa.MethodsA mixed methods design was employed, comprising a two-arm pragmatic trial and semi-structured interviews. The intervention was a 10-min PA-based presentation by a former patient, delivered in group seminars that are provided for patients as standard care. Seminars were alternately allocated to (a) cancer exercise specialist talk + patient speaker talk or (b) cancer exercise specialist talk only. Self-reported PA, exercise motivation, quality of life, fatigue and clinical and demographic characteristics were obtained from n = 148 (intervention: n = 69; control: n = 79) patients immediately prior to the seminar, and at follow-up ≈ 100 days later. Data were analysed using ANCOVA models and χ2 tests. Fourteen semi-structured interviews with intervention participants, which explored how the intervention was experienced, were analysed using a grounded theory-style approach.ResultsThe intervention had no significant effect on quantitatively self-reported PA (p = 0.4). However, the intervention was statistically and clinically beneficial for fatigue (p = 0.04) and quality of life (p = 0.01). Qualitative analysis showed that the intervention was beneficial to psychological wellbeing and some participants had increased intention to engage in PA as a result of the intervention.ConclusionsA brief one-off PA-based presentation for men with PCa, delivered by a former patient alongside cancer exercise specialist advice, may result in clinically significant benefits to quality of life and may influence PA intention in certain individuals.

Highlights

Study designProstate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men, with 47,000 cases diagnosed every year in the UK [1]
We focus primarily on patient motivation, reporting a mixed methods pilot study which examined the potential of a brief peer-support-based behavioural intervention, provided alongside standard care, to promote physical activity (PA) engagement in men treated for prostate cancer (PCa)
Across the two study sites, approximately one third of patients who received radical prostatectomy in the study time period provided data that was included in the analysis

Summary

Introduction

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men, with 47,000 cases diagnosed every year in the UK [1]. It is well established that engagement with physical activity (PA) is beneficial to men diagnosed with PCa [2]. Despite the known benefits and NICE guidelines recommending offering 12 weeks of supervised exercise to patients [12], many men with PCa are not meeting the advised levels of regular PA for people with cancer [13]. We focus primarily on patient motivation, reporting a mixed methods pilot study which examined the potential of a brief peer-support-based behavioural intervention, provided alongside standard care, to promote PA engagement in men treated for PCa

Methods

Results

Conclusion