Promoting physical activity among children with cancer through an integrated experiential training programme with coaching: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: The study aim was to investigate how the integrated experiential training programme with coaching could motivate children undergoing cancer treatment to adopt and maintain physical activity.

Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was used. A purposive sample of 23 children and their parents participated in one-to-one 25-30-minute semistructured interviews. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed. Colaizzi's method of descriptive phenomenological data analysis was used.

Results: The integrated programme motivated children with cancer by increasing children's and parents' knowledge of physical activity, enhancing confidence in physical activity and improving physical and psychological well-being. Moreover, the programme provided children with encouragement and psychological support through coach companionship. The programme also facilitated children's participation in physical activity and modified perceptions of physical activity.

Conclusion: This study addressed a gap in the literature by exploring how an integrated programme promoted and maintained physical activity in childhood cancer patients.

Practice implications: The integrated experiential training programme is feasible and can be easily sustained. Future studies could extend the programme beyond aspects of physical activity to help people change their health practices and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Keywords: Cancer; Children; Coaching; Integrated experiential training; Physical activity; Qualitative study.