Exploring Experiences, Perceptions and Preferences for Exercise in Australians Living With a Stoma: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

AIM: (1) Explore the role of core abdominal exercise in people living with a stoma in Australia; (2) determine whether the presence of a parastomal hernia influenced participant symptoms and complications, health status, experiences with different types of exercise, recall advice given by healthcare professionals; (3) determine whether there is an appetite for supervised/supported exercise programs. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, anonymous survey. METHODS: Between August and September 2022. The survey included Likert scales and a single free text response. Logistic regression and Cramer's V were used to explore relationships between variables. RESULTS: Approximately half (45.5%) of 105 participants reported a parastomal hernia. Those with a parastomal hernia were less likely to recall having received advice (15.20%) or demonstration (9.40%) pertaining to exercise. Less than a quarter of all participants completed strengthening (23.80%) or vigorous (22.90%) exercise. Fear of vigorous exercise, abdominal exercise and heavy lifting were high in both groups. Relationships between healthcare advice, exercise-related fears and avoidance of heavy lifting were observed. CONCLUSION: Many Australians living with a stoma are not achieving physical activity recommendations. While exercise behaviours did not differ between people with and without a parastomal hernia, recall of healthcare advice around exercise did. Fear-avoidance relationships were observed. IMPACT: Most people living with a stoma do not recall advice about core abdominal exercises. Healthcare practitioners need to be aware of fear-avoidance related to lifting among people living with a stoma. This was the first study in Australia, exploring perspectives and experiences regarding exercise; providing foundations for future research particularly exercise programs. REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and the reporting of survey studies (CROSS). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.