Exploring optimal group dynamics and their feasibility during a live-remote exercise program for cancer survivors: an international concept mapping study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: Live-remote supervised exercise helps cancer survivors reduce the negative side effects of their treatment, and group dynamics are an integral aspect of successful rehabilitation outcomes. In this international group concept mapping study, we investigated which aspects of peer interaction and trainer behaviour participants consider important and how feasible those preferences are according to exercise professionals. METHODS: Participants who completed a 12-week live-remote exercise programme for cancer survivors were recruited in 5 European countries and Australia. Participants generated statements in response to prompts about patient interaction and trainer behaviour. The next group of participants sorted statements into thematically similar clusters and/or rated them by perceived importance. Exercise specialists rated the same statements according to feasibility. Data were analysed using multidimensional scaling, hierarchical cluster analysis, and qualitative interpretative analysis. RESULTS: A total of 120 participants and 14 exercise specialists participated. The patient interaction prompt generated 45 statements organized into five clusters (mean importance rating 3.29; mean feasibility 3.61). The subjective experience of belonging to the group was the highest rated cluster for this prompt. The trainer behaviour prompt generated 56 unique statements organized into seven clusters (mean importance 3.82; mean feasibility 4.13). High-quality individual and group level instructions were rated as most important for this prompt. CONCLUSIONS: Participants and trainers agreed on the relative priorities, and all key aspects were rated as feasible, suggesting favourable conditions for implementation. Adequate instruction and supervision by trainers and a warm, welcoming atmosphere among participants were considered the most important aspects of live-remote training.
Source: Supportive Care in Cancer
Authors: Esther C. E. de Jongh, Anouk Hiensch, Laurien M. Buffart, David Binyam, Alina Kias, Karen Steindorf, Dorothea Clauss, Nadira Gunasekara, Yvonne Wengström, Poorna Anandavadivelan, Eva M. Zopf, Mark Trevaskis, Jon Belloso, Iñaki Ruiz-Pérez, Chloe Rezola-Pardo, Alberto Alves, Pedro Antunes, Catarina Garcia, Neil Aaronson, Anne M. May, Martijn M. Stuiver
Institutions: The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, Radboud University Medical Center, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg University, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Sport University Cologne, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Cabrini Hospital, Australian Catholic University, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, GaituzSport Foundation, Ministry of Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,690
Awards: PREFERABLE-II - Personalised Exercise-Oncology for improvement of supportive care: a super umbrella trial to demonstrate the (cost)effectiveness of live-remote exercise in cancer survivors, PREFERABLE-II - Personalised Exercise-Oncology for improvement of supportive care: a super umbrella trial to demonstrate the (cost)effectiveness of live-remote exercise in cancer survivors
OpenAlex ID: W7225465645