Understanding the Barriers to Physical Activity for Cancer Patients

Abstract

For individuals who experience cancer, regular adherence to physical activity has been shown to provide benefits ranging from alleviation of symptoms to improvements in physical function and quality of life. However, research about barriers to participation that compromise adherence and subsequent benefits has been identified as needed. The purposes of this article were to (1) systematically review the barriers to research and make recommendations, (2) consider unique symptoms of disease and treatment regarding their barrier-related impact on exercise therapy, and (3) present an organizational framework that will aid the investigation and understanding of barriers as they affect adherence to prescribed exercise therapy for cancer treatment and recovery.