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Background: Although physical activity (PA) has significant benefits for people
living with multiple myeloma (MM), participation rates are low. Examination of PA
preferences will provide important information to clinicians and assist in the
development of interventions to increase participation in PA for people living with
MM. Objective: The aim of this study is to gain an in-depth understanding of the
PA preferences for people living with MM, including the preferred role of clinicians.
Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with patients treated for MM
within the preceding 2 to 12 months. Interviews were analyzed using content
analysis, where coding categories were derived directly from the text data.
Results: Twenty-four interviews were conducted (women, 54%; age: mean [SD],
62 [8.8] years); 16 (67%) participants had an autologous stem cell transplant. Lightto
moderate-intensity PA during and after treatment was feasible, with the strongest
preference for a program 2 to 8 months after treatment. The timing of information
delivery was important, as was input from clinicians and organizations with
knowledge of MM. Preferences for location, structure, and timing of programs
varied. Conclusions: Low- to moderate-intensity PA after treatment is likely to
interest people with MM. Programs need to be flexible and consider individual
differences in PA preferences, functional status, and treatment schedules.
Implications: An individually tailored PA program should form part of clinical care, involving clinicians and organizations with expertise in MM. Options for
home-based PA are also important. Further research, including a population-based
study of people living with MM, is necessary to further quantify PA preferences. |
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