Table 4 Descriptive analysis of oncologists’ exercise recommendations
Variable | Mean ± SD | |
|---|---|---|
What percentage of your patients have initiated a discussion with you about exercise during cancer treatment over the past month? | 29.5 ± 22.4 | |
What percentage of your patients have you recommended exercise to during cancer treatment over the past month? | 45.0 ± 28.2 | |
On average, if a patient initiates a discussion with you on exercise, how long do you spend discussing this topic? (min) | 4.3 ± 2.9 | |
Benefits of exercise for cancer survivors (Multiple response) | ||
| Â | N | % |
Improve the ability to perform daily tasks | 128 | 26.7 |
Improve mental health | 118 | 24.6 |
Attenuate physical decline from treatment | 92 | 19.2 |
Reduce body weight | 44 | 9.2 |
Reduce the risk of other diseases | 37 | 7.7 |
Help patients cope | 34 | 7.1 |
Reduce the risk of recurrence | 23 | 4.8 |
No recommendation | 2 | 0.4 |
Other | 1 | 0.2 |
Total | 479 | 100 |
What kind of exercise do you recommend (Multiple response) | ||
| Â | N | % |
Aerobic activity | 157 | 57.1 |
Flexible activity | 58 | 21.1 |
Lifestyle activity | 48 | 17.5 |
Resistance activity | 11 | 4.0 |
Total | 275 | 100 |
Barriers to recommending exercise for cancer survivors (Multiple response) | ||
| Â | N | % |
Lack of time during office visit | 40 | 24.0 |
Unclear recommendations | 35 | 21.0 |
Concerns about the safety of exercise | 34 | 20.4 |
Lack of patient interest | 13 | 7.8 |
Concerns about the effectiveness of exercise | 7 | 4.2 |
Lack of reimbursement for counseling on exercise | 6 | 3.6 |
Enough recommendations | 32 | 19.2 |
Total | 479 | 100 |