The hows and whys of physical activity and recovery after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a mixed methods study

OBJECTIVE: To explore physical activity before and up to three months after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, understand patients' experiences of physical activity, recovery, and support needs, and integrate findings using a mixed methods approach. METHODS: A longitudinal convergent mixed methods design was employed, collecting data from 21 participants at a Swedish university hospital 2021-2023. Data collection included interviews and activity monitoring. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and activity data were presented as time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Based on the three-month follow-up, participants were categorized as having high or low activity according to World Health Organization recommendations. RESULTS: Participants in the high activity group described physical activity as meaningful and closely linked to mental well-being. The low activity group discussed physical activity in more general terms and put more emphasis on barriers to physical activity. High activity was not linked to lower perceived need for support, nor low activity to higher need. CONCLUSIONS: A discrepancy was identified between postoperative physical activity levels and perceived need for support. Physiotherapy-led support should be offered to all patients, regardless of activity level.