An Investigation into the Physical Activity Experiences of People Living with and beyond Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study investigated the physical activity experiences of people living with and beyond cancer (PLWBC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants attended the cancer and rehabilitation exercise (CARE) programme delivered by a football community trust. Staff (n = 2) and participants (n = 9) attended semi-structured interviews investigating the PA participation and experiences of attending/delivering different modes of CARE, including exercise classes delivered outdoors and delivered online. Interviews also investigated participant aspirations for returning to CARE sessions delivered in person indoors. The findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions impacted on PA participation, yet exercise sessions provided via CARE offered participants an important opportunity to arrest their inactivity, keep active and maintain their fitness and functionality. Barriers to participation of CARE online included access to IT infrastructure, internet connectivity and IT skills and comfort using IT. Regarding CARE outdoors, the weather, range of equipment, variety of exercises and the lack of toilets and seats were barriers. In the different CARE modes, the skills of delivery staff who were sensitive to the needs of participants, social support, and the need for participants to maintain good mental and social health were important facilitators for engagement and are considerations for programme delivery. CARE helped PLWBC to keep physically active.