Breast cancer surgery ; Exercise ; Exercise barrier ; Exercise facilitator ; Qualitative stud
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to understand the barriers to exercise and facilitators of exercise for up to 4 weeks following breast cancer
surgery.
METHODS: A descriptive qualitative research method was used in this study. Twelve patients were recruited through purposive sam pling immediately after breast cancer surgery.
RESULTS: Physical aspects (pain at the surgery site, reduction in the range of motion, and decrease in fitness), environmental aspects
(difficulty in movement due to drain, lack of information on exercise), and psychological aspects (concerns about side effects, fear of
pain, and fear of injury during exercise) were identified as barriers to exercise. Expectation of positive effects (recovery from surgery,
prevention of lymphedema, usefulness for future radiation therapy, prevention of cancer recurrence, and health management) of exer cise and social support (hospital education, support from medical staff, and exercise information received via mass media) were identi fied as facilitators of exercise.
CONCLUSIONS: We recognized different barriers to exercise and facilitators of exercise among patients who recently underwent
breast cancer surgery. Future exercise intervention studies should consider minimizing such barriers and maximizing the facilitators
identified in our study