17 Tailored exercise for survivors with brain tumours: A case series

Abstract

Purpose: Exercise has been shown to be beneficial for the physical and psychological health of cancer survivors, however, little research has been conducted on the effects of exercise in the brain tumour population. Survivors with brain tumours present with unique challenges in terms of mobility and function that may compromise their ability to safety take part in community-based exercise. Methods: Three survivors with primary brain tumours will be profiled in this case series presentation. Participants were screened using a cancer specific intake questionnaire and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, and triaged to supervised clinic-based or community-based exercise. All participants completed the 12-week intervention for the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) study. Measurements were taken at baseline, and post-intervention including measures of body composition, aerobic fitness, musculoskeletal fitness, balance and flexibility. Self-reported measures included questionnaires to assess impact on physical functioning, symptoms and quality of life, and to evaluate satisfaction with programming. Results: One participant was referred to supervised clinic-based exercise programming due to a high risk of falls, and two participants were deemed safe and approved for community-based supported exercise programming at a preferred location closer to their home. Preliminary results suggest high program satisfaction, maintenance and/or benefit of physical fitness, balance, and symptom control. Conclusions: Further efforts are needed to better tailor programming to the needs of the survivor and consideration given to the advantages of the supervised clinic-based environment when compared to the survivor preference for a “closer to home” community-based setting.