Background/Aims: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors often experience a myriad of acute and chronic toxicities which can significantly impact their physical and psychosocial functioning and quality of life (QOL). This presentation will share patient insights into the vast impacts a cancer diagnosis and its treatment has on this population. It will report both the objective results alongside the patient voice to demonstrate the physical and psychosocial benefits of group-based exercise in AYA cancer survivors.
Methodology: One hundred and ten AYAs enrolled in a 12-week group-based exercise programs that were delivered in a community setting. Participants completed pre and post intervention assessments of physical (1RM strength, grip strength, VO2 peak, push ups and sit ups) and psychosocial measures. Following the intervention, participants were invited to share their experience of the program via video or audio recording.
Results: Ninety-one participants have completed the program over a six-year period. Significant improvements were reported in all 1RM strength measures, push ups and sit ups (p≤0.01). Subjectively reported fatigue, pain, social, emotional, role and physical functioning quality of life variables also improved over time (p≤0.05). No detectable change was evident in VO2 peak. Participant interviews revealed the greatest impacts were on psychosocial functioning and group connectedness in this cohort.
Conclusion: Collectively these objective results and patient insights have demonstrated that a group-based exercise program is an effective intervention to improve strength, functioning and QOL in AYA cancer survivors. The patient voices provided insight into the magnitude of positive benefits of this program for this cohort. Participants reported that the program resulted in them feeling healthier, happier and more engaged in life, allowing them to lead their lives to their full potential. Additionally, through partnering with consumers and collecting these reflections the program has been shaped to better meet the needs of the cohort.