Article

The adverse side effects of current treatments for breast cancer
highlight the need for rehabilitative programmes. Group-based exercise programmes
have been found to be effective in reducing symptoms and treatment side effects
and improving physical and psychological health in cancer survivors. To assist
programme administrators and instructors in the ongoing design and delivery of
optimal group-based exercise programmes, we conducted a longitudinal qualitative
study to explore breast cancer survivors' perceptions of the instructor and the
climate the instructor created within the context of a group-based exercise
programme, and how this contributes to women's motivational experiences. METHOD:
Seven women participating in an eight-week group-based exercise programme were
interviewed at the start and end of the programme. Data were analysed using
thematic analysis. RESULTS: The instructor's attributes (energy, enthusiasm,
approachability, knowledge, experience) and her focus on promoting
self-improvement, personal progress, skill development and task mastery
contributed to participants' positive experiences, which served to enhance their
motivation to remain involved in the programme.
CONCLUSIONS: Instructors play an
essential role in creating a supportive climate and fostering positive
experiences in group-based exercise programmes for breast cancer survivors.
Hiring caring and knowledgeable instructors who are able to create a supportive
climate may enhance breast cancer survivors' experiences in group-based exercise
programmes and promote sustained participation. Implications for Rehabilitation
Promoting self-improvement, personal progress, skill development and task mastery
can enhance breast cancer survivors' adherence to group-based exercise
programmes, which can help mitigate the effects of cancer and its treatment. In
addition to training leaders to run safe and effective programmes, hiring
instructors who have high energy, and who are enthusiastic, approachable,
knowledgeable and experienced can promote breast cancer survivors' adherence to
group-based exercise programmes. Training in breast cancer management is required
to allow instructors to understand the complexities of this disease and develop tailored exercise programmes. Future research needs to identify training
techniques that can effectively promote exercise instructors' competence in working with breast cancer survivors.

Langue : ANGLAIS