Publication
Title
Dropout from exercise trials among cancer survivors : an individual patient data meta-analysis from the POLARIS study
Author
Abstract
Introduction The number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of exercise among cancer survivors has increased in recent years; however, participants dropping out of the trials are rarely described. The objective of the present study was to assess which combinations of participant and exercise program characteristics were associated with dropout from the exercise arms of RCTs among cancer survivors. Methods This study used data collected in the Predicting OptimaL cAncer RehabIlitation and Supportive care (POLARIS) study, an international database of RCTs investigating the effects of exercise among cancer survivors. Thirty-four exercise trials, with a total of 2467 patients without metastatic disease randomized to an exercise arm were included. Harmonized studies included a pre and a posttest, and participants were classified as dropouts when missing all assessments at the post-intervention test. Subgroups were identified with a conditional inference tree. Results Overall, 9.6% of the participants dropped out. Five subgroups were identified in the conditional inference tree based on four significant associations with dropout. Most dropout was observed for participants with BMI >28.4 kg/m(2), performing supervised resistance or unsupervised mixed exercise (19.8% dropout) or had low-medium education and performed aerobic or supervised mixed exercise (13.5%). The lowest dropout was found for participants with BMI >28.4 kg/m(2) and high education performing aerobic or supervised mixed exercise (5.1%), and participants with BMI <= 28.4 kg/m(2) exercising during (5.2%) or post (9.5%) treatment. Conclusions There are several systematic differences between cancer survivors completing and dropping out from exercise trials, possibly affecting the external validity of exercise effects.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports. - Copenhagen
Publication
Copenhagen : 2024
ISSN
0905-7188
DOI
10.1111/SMS.14575
Volume/pages
34 :2 (2024) , p. 1-10
Article Reference
e14575
ISI
001161498500001
Pubmed ID
38339809
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 04.03.2024
Last edited 02.05.2024
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