Exploring Prostate Cancer Survivors’ Exercise Motivation, Facilitators And Barriers Following Participation In The TrueNTH Program

Abstract

The TrueNTH Lifestyle Management program is an international program aimed to improve the survivorship and wellness of men with prostate cancer. As part of the national network, an initial 12-week exercise program, 3 days per week, was carried out at a university-based location in Edmonton Canada. PURPOSE: To better understand the motivation, facilitators and barriers to exercise following participation in the TrueNTH exercise program. METHODS: An optional post-program satisfaction questionnaire was administered and a focus group session conducted with 16 of the 22 program participants (mean age: 65.5 years). Quantitative data from the patient satisfaction questionnaire were analyzed descriptively and qualitative data from the focus group were used to clarify and further describe quantitative results. RESULTS: Main findings included high satisfaction with the program (100%) and mean improvements in 8 repetition maximum strength of 8.5 lbs for bench press and 31.6 lbs for the leg press. Results from the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (Version 3) showed high scores for intrinsic (3.28) and identified integration (3.25), and low scores for amotivation (0.083) and external regulation (1.18). Qualitatively participants reported benefits for body image, muscular strength as well as psychosocial wellbeing. Facilitators of exercise included supervised exercise, social support of other prostate cancer survivors, and a positive exercise environment. Survivors reported feeling “safe” and “at home” at the centre despite incontinence, use of a catheter, and issues with body image. Barriers included limited options for class times and transportation issues. CONCLUSION: Prostate survivors taking part in the TrueNTH program were highly motivated, enjoyed, and valued the benefits of the exercise program. This examination of site-specific exercise facilitators and barriers allows for adaptation of programming to the local context.