Browsing by Author "Albinati, Natalia Kara Renee"

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    The Feasibility of a Physical Activity Intervention for Advanced Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Mixed Methods Study.
    (2019-06-04) Albinati, Natalia Kara Renee; Culos-Reed, Susan Nicole; Abdul-Razzak, Amane; McDonough, Meghan H.; Gyurcsik, Nancy C.
    Purpose: The primary aims of the Physical Activity in Advanced Cancer Treatment (PAACT) intervention were to 1) examine the feasibility of a group- and home-based PA program for individuals with advance multiple myeloma (MM) and 2) qualitatively explore the patient’s experience in the program. Secondary aims were to obtain preliminary data on physical fitness and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: In this single-arm study, advanced MM patients (DS stage II-III) participated in a 12-week aerobic and resistance training exercise program, along with the option of a palliative care consultation. Participants attended once-weekly group exercise classes and received individualized home-based exercise booklets. Semi-structured interviews were conducted both midway and at the end of the program with a subset of participants and a thematic analysis approach was utilized. Results: In total, 19 MM patients were enrolled. The program was feasible as demonstrated by recruitment (34.5%), attendance at group classes (72.9%), attrition (15.8%) and safety outcomes (no adverse events). Thematic analysis revealed that the main facilitators were the exercise instructors and the supportive social environment. Barriers included side-effects of cancer treatments and a lack of motivation for home exercise. The main impacts were the perceived benefits to well-being with control over one’s health and exercise behaviour emerging as a core theme. Palliative care consultations were appreciated and helpful, although symptom burden did not always warrant palliative care. Conclusion: Group-and home-based exercise is feasible for advanced MM survivors. Participant experiences indicated that there were numerous perceived physical and mental benefits to participation. These findings may be used to inform the design and implementation of larger PA trials to examine the efficacy of PA interventions and palliative care in this population.