Motivation for physical activity before and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify patient motivation for physical activity before and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). METHODS: We conducted 14 semi-structured interviews of seven patients (two of each patient): one before starting a conditioning regimen and one after leaving the protected environment. All interviews were recorded and analyzed using the inductive content analysis method. The data collection period was May to December 2018. RESULTS: The participants comprised three men and four women aged 40-70 years. The patients underwent bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, or peripheral HSCT. The patients' motivation for physical activity before and after HSCT was classified into six categories and categorized into five themes including “to overcome HSCT,” “to look after myself,” “to respond to the donor,” “the existence of supporters,” and “encouragement from supporters.” CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The categories and themes developed here based on patient responses provide an important perspective that should be promoted among healthcare providers who care for patients undergoing HSCT.