How a physical exercise program performed by patients may impact caregiver burden in cancer: a qualitative study

TL;DR

This study explores how a physical exercise program for cancer patients can reduce the emotional and practical burden on their caregivers.

Contribution

The study is the first to qualitatively investigate how patient exercise programs affect caregiver burden in metastatic cancer.

Findings

Caregivers reported improved emotional well-being due to patients' participation in exercise.

Exercise programs provided caregivers with a sense of control and improved patient-caregiver relationships.

Supervised and tailored exercise programs were perceived as supportive by caregivers.

Abstract

Caregivers of patients with metastatic cancer may be exposed to an overwhelming sense of burden. Physical exercise may help patients improve their physical condition, manage symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. Nevertheless, it is unclear if these interventions may also likely affect caregivers.

Five focus group (n = 20 participants) were conducted to explore the caregivers’ experiences/perspectives of patients affected by metastatic cancer and performing a supervised physical exercise intervention. Thematic analysis using an inductive approach was performed. Theme, sub-themes, and illustrative quotes are displayed.

Four themes were identified. Theme 1 captured, with two sub-themes, the impact of the diagnosis on caregivers’ emotional status and daily routines. Theme 2 was related to the perceived benefits of patients’ engagement in the physical exercise program, enclosing three sub-themes (physical advantages, management of side effects, psychological well-being) and how this has helped caregivers enhance their emotional well-being. Theme 3 reported how caregivers have felt supported by the physical exercise program for the care of their loved ones (three-sub-themes: supervised by specialists, tailored and flexible program). Finally, theme 4 explained that caregivers, thanks to the patient’s participation in the exercise, were able to take back control of their own lives, having more time available and enhancing their relationship with the patient.

Participation of patients with metastatic cancer in a structured physical exercise program may be effective in reducing caregiver’s burden. This study may serve as a trailblazer to guide future investigations and consolidate the present findings.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-025-10120-9.

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