Poster Presentation 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

Integrating Intra-Infusion Exercise into Chemotherapy: Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on Exercise and Recruitment in the EX-FUSION trial (126076)

Jasmine Yee 1 2 3 , Vu Minh Khue Huynh 1 , Brooke McGregor 3 , Catherine Seet-Lee 2 3 4 , Judith Lacey 4 , Kate Mahon 4 , Kate Edwards 2 3 , Haryana Dhillon 1
  1. School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Campderdown, NSW, Australia
  2. Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
  3. Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
  4. The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia

Objectives/purpose

Exercise is increasingly recommended as an adjunct to cancer care, yet its integration into treatment remains limited. The EX-FUSION RCT explored the feasibility and efficacy of intra-infusion exercise, where participants cycled during chemotherapy infusions. To inform future trials and implementation, this qualitative study explored healthcare professionals (HCPs) perspectives on exercise, why they engaged with the EX-FUSION trial, and their experiences with participant recruitment.

Sample and setting

HCPs involved in the EX-FUSION trial at a Sydney metropolitan hospital (exercise physiologists: n=4; medical oncologist: n=1). HCP recruitment is ongoing, with numbers limited by people involved in the trial at the hospital.

Procedures

Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted to explore HCPs perceptions of exercise in oncology, intra-infusion exercise, and their experiences recruiting patients to the EX-FUSION trial. Data were analysed thematically.  

Results

Preliminary analysis identified three overarching themes. (1) Professional Perspectives on Exercise in Oncology - HCPs viewed exercise as integral to cancer care, highlighting its psychological, physical, and treatment-related benefits. They noted the need for exercise tailoring with patients and the limitations with applying generic guidelines. (2) Motivations for EX-FUSION Engagement - Engagement was driven by alignment of the trial with personal and professional values, curiosity about intra-infusion exercise, and a workplace culture supportive of exercise. (3) Recruitment Experiences and Reflections - Recruitment was challenged by ambiguous eligibility criteria, patient anxiety, and low baseline activity levels. Key facilitators included patient altruism, clear communication, and confidence in the trial’s safety and purpose.

Conclusion and clinical implications

Healthcare professionals’ beliefs and motivations played a key role in their engagement with the EX-FUSION trial. Addressing recruitment challenges and supporting HCP engagement are essential for advancing intra-infusion exercise research and practice.