Head and Neck Cancer Survivors' Exercise Preferences and Barriers Before and After Participation in an Exercise Intervention

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the exercise preferences and barriers of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors in relation to exercise experience. Methodology: Participants from the ENHANCE trial (n=22) completed questionnaires on exercise preferences and barriers, which were further explored in semi-structured interviews with a subset of participants (n=17). Results: Before participation in the ENHANCE program, lack of interest and time were the primary exercise barriers. After participation, there was a significant decrease in typical barriers including lack of interest (p=.008)), exercise not a priority (p=.039), and not in routine (p=.004). Participants also reported significant increases in preferences for engaging in exercise at a cancer centre (p=.031), and with other survivors (p=.016). Four higher-order themes emerged from interview data analysis pertaining to preferences (exercise types, company, supervision, and logistics), and three higher-order themes regarding barriers (physical, psychological and external). Significance: The results identify key factors for effective HNC exercise program design.