HealthTree Survey Reveals Barriers and Motivations to Physical Activity for People with Multiple Myeloma

If you are living with multiple myeloma or another blood cancer, it can feel difficult to prioritize exercise. But staying physically active is one of the most important things you can do. It can improve your general health and also help you manage side effects and symptoms like fatigue and bone pain. 

A recent HealthTree survey compiled data about the exercise habits of people with multiple myeloma, smoldering myeloma, and MGUS. The survey was designed to better understand how people with myeloma exercise as well as the barriers and motivators linked to their levels of activity. 

There were 883 participants who answered detailed questions about themselves and their physical activity. This included the types of activities they participated in, the amount of time they exercised each week, and information about their motivations for and barriers to engaging in physical activity.

Levels of physical activity

Based on their activity levels, participants were described as either a high activity respondent, moderate activity respondent, or low activity respondent. 

High activity respondents were more likely to engage in vigorous physical activity. They reported vigorous physical activity for an average of 3.9 days per week. In comparison, moderate and low activity respondents engaged in vigorous physical activity less often. The average was 0.7 days a week in the moderate activity group and 0.2 days in the low activity group. 

All groups were more likely to walk throughout the week. In the high activity group, the average was 5.7 days per week. In the moderate activity group, it was 5.3 days per week. In the low activity group, it was 2.3 days per week. 

The amount of time spent sitting each day also varied significantly between groups. Sitting has been linked with greater health risks, such as a higher risk of heart problems and diabetes. In the high activity group, patients sit for an average of 291.9 minutes every day. In the moderate activity group, the average was 372.1 minutes and in the low activity group it was 416.7 minutes.

The impact of motivation on physical activity for people with blood cancer

It can be difficult for anyone to find motivation to exercise. When you are coping with blood cancer, it can be even more difficult. Whether you are managing symptoms and side effects like fatigue, pain, and nausea or coping with stress, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. 

Attitudes toward physical movement varied based on activity level. People in the low activity group were more likely to view exercise as boring, inconvenient, or intimidating. Some people also shared that they were overwhelmed by exercise or had lost their athletic identity after cancer. People in moderate to high activity groups were more likely to be motivated by the physical and mental health benefits of physical activity. 

Barriers to physical activity  

Motivation was not the only barrier to exercise that was shared through the survey. Researchers also looked at other barriers that made exercise more difficult for each group.  Study participants also reported:

• Environmental factors: Weather or lack of safe spaces to exercise made it harder for some to stay consistent.
• Fear of Injury: People in the low activity group reported a higher fear of injury compared to the high activity group. 
• Risk of infection: Concern about exposure to illness with a weakened immune system kept some from exercising in public or group settings.
• Lack of social support: Not having encouragement or a partner to exercise with made activity feel less accessible.

Practical ways to increase physical activity 

If you struggle to stay active, you are not alone. It can be challenging to start and maintain an exercise routine, especially if you have never exercised much in the past or if you are coping with symptoms and side effects. 

There are many different forms of movement that can help improve your overall health and well-being.  Activities like walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, or tai chi can improve strength, flexibility, and boost mood and mental health.

Finding motivation can be challenging, but taking simple steps can make participating in physical activity more manageable.  

Start small. Short walks, gentle stretching, or low-impact movement can make exercise more approachable and help to build a routine over time. 

Listen to your body.  It is important to choose activities that feel safe and enjoyable that you can look forward to doing.  

Set realistic goals. Scheduling activity into your day, or exercising with a group of friends can provide extra motivation. 

Try modifications. Chair-based exercises, resistance bands, or water activities are a great way to get movement with low impact to your joints. 

There is no one-size-fits-all all approach to increasing physical activity levels. Consulting with a healthcare provider or physical therapist can help to ensure that activities are safe and meet your individual needs.

You can contribute to real-world research that helps improve outcomes for people with blood cancer by creating a HealthTree account where you can complete simple surveys that guide future support and care strategies. 

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