A multi-center cross-sectional study to explore cancer patients’ views on facilitators and barriers for the implementation of oncological exercise therapy - Report - MDSpire

A multi-center cross-sectional study to explore cancer patients’ views on facilitators and barriers for the implementation of oncological exercise therapy

  • By

  • Dominik Morlok

  • Laura Bieniosek

  • Hansjörg Baurecht

  • Melanie Reitz

  • Thomas Okon

  • Janina Meuer

  • Christine Welker

  • Wolfgang Herr

  • Tobias Pukrop

  • Sabine Einhell

  • Anika Berling-Ernst

  • Annalena Wehner

  • Mirko Brandes

  • Sebastian Theurich

  • Bernardine Madl

  • Louisa Sell

  • Thorsten Schmidt

  • Patrick Jahn

  • Carlotta Evers

  • Rebecca Zimmer

  • Renee Stark

  • Hajo Zeeb

  • Michael Leitzmann

  • Freerk T. Baumann

  • Anne Herrmann

  • June 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Cancer Patients' Perspectives on Oncological Exercise Therapy

Overview

This study explores cancer patients' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to oncological exercise therapy (OET). Despite a high willingness to participate, many patients are not informed about OET by their healthcare providers, indicating a significant gap in communication and implementation.

Background

Oncological exercise therapy (OET) is associated with improved patient outcomes, including enhanced quality of life and potentially increased survival rates. However, OET remains underutilized in clinical practice, particularly in Germany, where less than half of eligible patients participate. Understanding patient perspectives on OET is crucial for bridging the evidence-practice gap and improving integration into routine cancer care.

Data Highlights

CharacteristicPercentage
Patients feeling physically capable of OET79%
Patients feeling mentally capable of OET85%
Patients motivated to engage in OET76%
Patients with sufficient time for physical activity83%
Patients offered OET by healthcare providers48%

Key Findings

  • 79% of patients felt physically capable of participating in OET.
  • 85% reported feeling mentally capable of engaging in OET.
  • 76% expressed high motivation to participate in OET.
  • 83% believed they had sufficient time to become physically active.
  • Only 48% of patients reported being offered OET by their healthcare providers.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should enhance communication about OET to ensure patients are informed about available exercise options. Tailored strategies are necessary to improve patient access to OET and integrate it into standard oncology care.

Conclusion

The study highlights a significant willingness among cancer patients to engage in OET, yet underscores the need for improved communication from healthcare providers to facilitate participation.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The ASCO Post, 2019 -- Oncology Clinicians Play A Role in Telling Patients About the Importance of Exercise
  2. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2023 -- Development of a Comprehensive Exercise Initiative for Patients with Glioma (ActiNO): Overview of Clinical Insights
  3. The ASCO Post, 2023 -- Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer May Gain Multiple Benefits From Exercise as Part of Palliative Care Related Articles
  4. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Survivorship, Version 2.2025 - PubMed
  5. Journal of Clinical Oncology -- A randomized phase III trial of the impact of a structured exercise program on disease-free survival in stage 3 or high-risk stage 2 colon cancer
  6. The ASCO Post — Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer May Gain Multiple Benefits From Exercise as Part of Palliative Care Related Articles
  7. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Survivorship, Version 2.2025 - PubMed
  8. A randomized phase III trial of the impact of a structured exercise program on disease-free survival (DFS) in stage 3 or high-risk stage 2 colon cancer: Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) CO.21 (CHALLENGE). | Journal of Clinical Oncology
  9. Facilitators to the implementation of exercise into cancer care: a systematic review - PubMed

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