Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Delivering Resistance Training to People with Cancer in Regional, Rural, and Remote Australia: A Qualitative Study of Exercise Professional’s Perspectives (146373)

Christopher Rowe 1 , Nicolas H Hart 1 2 3 4 5 , Darren Haywood 1 6 7 8 , James Murray 1
  1. University of Technology Sydney, Moore Park, NSW, Australia
  2. Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia;, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  3. Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia , Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  4. Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia , Edith Cowan University, Bentley, WA, Australia
  5. Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, WA, Australia , University of Notre Dame, Perth, WA, Australia
  6. . Department of Mental Health, St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia, St Vincents Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Austr
  7. School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
  8. Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia, Swinburn University of Technology, Hawthorn, VI, Australia

 

Introduction: Resistance training is an essential component of exercise oncology programs embedded into cancer survivorship models of care; however, health professionals working in regional, rural, and remote Australia face implementation challenges. This study aims to explore exercise professionals’ perspectives on the role and implementation of resistance training for people with cancer living in regional, rural, and remote Australia. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 exercise professionals involved in the prescription or delivery of resistance training to people with cancer in regional, rural, and remote Australia. Interviews explored the perceptions of exercise professionals towards resistance training for people with cancer; systemic factors shaping implementation of resistance training in regional, rural locations; and barriers and facilitators to the delivery of resistance training in these contexts. Data were interpreted and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were developed: (1) role and value of resistance training, (2) healthcare capacity and capability, and (3) enhancing resistance training quality and implementation. Participants emphasised the role of resistance training to restore function, improve quality of life, and manage side effects. Beliefs on the value of resistance training were shaped by personal experiences, professional practice, and evidence. Implementation of resistance training was influenced by workforce capacity, availability of equipment and exercise professionals, and referral processes. Participants highlighted opportunities to enhance delivery of resistance-based exercise through targeted policy reform, sustainable funding, and improved education and professional development for rural health professionals. Conclusion: To improve resistance training accessibility, quality, and effectiveness for people with cancer in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia, exercise professionals highlight the need for systemic, policy, and procedural reforms to mitigate geographical isolation and rural-specific barriers. Improvements in referral processes, education, professional development, and workforce capacity and capability are essential to enable improvements in exercise oncology services in these locations.