title: A qualitative exploration of the experience of men with prostate cancer involved in supervised exercise programs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an in-depth description of the experience of supervised exercise programs among men with prostate cancer and to identify elements critical to optimizing engagement and ongoing exercise participation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive, qualitative.
  
  
  METHODS
  A tertiary exercise oncology center in Perth, Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  12 men with prostate cancer participating in a structured, clinic-based group exercise program supervised by accredited exercise physiologists.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants completed a demographic and health history questionnaire and a semistructured interview. Thematic content analysis was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants described physiological and psychological health benefits, which reduced treatment-related side effects and positively affected self-efficacy, and identified exercise physiologists as providing information about the importance of exercise, as well as practical, emotional, and social support. Peer support encouraged discussion of shared experiences and a sense of social connection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results from the current study expand on existing quantitative data to provide evidence of psychosocial benefits among men with prostate cancer involved with supervised exercise programs. The data provide insight into the components of exercise programs that can form a framework for the development of effective supportive care programs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Involvement in a structured, clinic-based group exercise program provides men with prostate cancer with considerable benefits. Supervision by qualified exercise physiologists and incorporation of a group approach are critical components of maximizing those benefits.
authors.affiliation: Health and Wellness Institute, Edith Cowan University (ECU), Joondalup, Australia.
authors.forename: Prue
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cormie
authors.affiliation: Department of Corrective Services, Government of Western Australia in Perth.
authors.forename: Brooke
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Social Science, ECU.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kaczmarek
authors.affiliation: Health and Wellness Institute, Edith Cowan University (ECU), Joondalup, Australia.
authors.forename: Deirdre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Drake
authors.affiliation: Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Australia.
authors.forename: Suzanne K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Chambers
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: exercise; prostate cancer; supportive care; survivorship care