2700 - Patient Experiences with a Pilot Exercise Coaching Intervention during Pelvic Radiation: Interim Qualitative Analysis
Presenter(s)
A. A. Bhatti1, D. Valenzuela1, M. F. Miller2, R. Bashyal3, S. Gao1,4, K. Hartso2, S. Hetelekidis1,4, E. S. Kowalski1,4, L. Majithia Jr1,4, K. E. Marqueen1,4, S. Moturi2, T. Nguyen2, J. Pasha5, K. Pomaranski3, N. Raja2, N. Toussaint2, A. A. Weinstein6, and A. D. Rao1,4; 1Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Falls Church, VA, 2Inova Research Center, Fairfax, VA, 3Inova Fairfax Hospital - Life with Cancer, Fairfax, VA, 4Radiation Oncology Associates of the National Capital Region, Falls Church, VA, 5Endometrial Cancer Research Foundatoin, Los Angeles, CA, 6George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Purpose/Objective(s):
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is common among women undergoing pelvic radiation for endometrial cancer (EC) and substantially reduces quality of life. Exercise can alleviate CRF, but adherence is often limited by treatment burden and logistical barriers. Personalized exercise coaching may improve adherence, though data in this population remain sparse. We are conducting a pilot randomized study evaluating the viability and preliminary efficacy of a web-based personalized exercise coaching program initiated either at the start of radiation therapy or during post-treatment recovery. This interim report presents qualitative analysis of exit interviews from the first half of participants to characterize patient experiences.Materials/Methods:
This randomized pilot trial will enroll 16 women with Stage I–IVA EC post-hysterectomy undergoing adjuvant pelvic external beam radiation therapy, randomized 1:1 to a web-based personalized exercise coaching program consisting of 10 weekly sessions targeting =150 minutes/week of moderate activity, initiated either at radiation start or 6–8 weeks post-treatment. All participants complete an exit interview addressing program experiences, adherence facilitators and barriers, and elements not captured by quantitative measures. For this interim analysis, eight interviews were transcribed, verified, independently coded by two clinical researchers, and thematically reviewed with comparative analysis by a third reviewer.Results:
Qualitative analysis showed strong convergence across coders. Participants described psychosocial benefits to engaging with the program such as maintaining routines, a sense of normalcy, and individualized support from their coach—alongside a shared motivation to preserve physical health and reduce the anticipated side effects of their diagnosis and treatment. Although participants valued the program, many reported fatigue and the added logistical demands during treatment limited engagement with program expectations. While some indicated greater viability post-treatment, framing the intervention as supportive and low-demand during treatment, with greater intensity afterward, may optimize adherence.Conclusion: This interim analysis indicates that the exercise coaching intervention is viable and beneficial, though treatment-related barriers affect engagement. Starting the program during radiation provided grounding and emotional support, yet fatigue and the added burden of exercise within a demanding schedule limited consistency. Positioning early sessions as low-demand and supportive, followed by more structured post-treatment goals, may enhance acceptability and adherence. These findings support continuing the trial with refined guidance better aligned with the competing demands of active treatment.