Walker, Max E., Doohan, Meg A., Halkett, Georgia K.B., Mizrahi, David, Simmons, Lisa, Robertson, Caroline V., and Chapman, Justine J. (2026) Exercise Preferences, Barriers, Motivators, Facilitators, and Perceived Benefits in Adults with Brain Tumours – A Systematic Review. Cancer Medicine, 15. e71731.

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Abstract

Introduction: Adults with brain tumours face poor prognosis, and physical and mental impairments reduce quality of life. Exercise can improve outcomes for this population; however, uptake and adherence remain low. Understanding exercise preferences, barriers, motivators, facilitators, and perceived benefits is crucial to optimising engagement. Methods: A systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL Complete, and the Nursing and Allied Health Database (2015-2025) was conducted. Studies were eligible if they included adults (≥18 years) with brain tumours and reported original qualitative or quantitative data. Screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal (Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, 2018 version) were performed by two authors, with discrepancies resolved by a third. Data were synthesised narratively due to heterogeneity. Results: Seven studies involving 163 participants were included, with mean ages 48-63.5 years and 44.8% males. Most studies included individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma, glioma, or oligodendroglioma. Exercise preferences were reported in 5/7 studies. Participants preferred flexible, individualised exercise programs with varied delivery modes and session durations. Walking was the most commonly preferred activity in 2/7 studies (48-56% of participants); 1/7 study reported 65% chose multiple activities including cycling, swimming, running. Barriers were identified in 5/7 studies, including symptom burden, cognitive impairment, treatment-related side effects, and psychological and external factors. Facilitators and motivators were reported in 3/7 studies and included support from carers and healthcare providers, structural enablers, and intrinsic motivations. Perceived benefits were identified in 5/7 studies, including improved physical function, energy, quality of life, well-being, self-efficacy, and social engagement. Conclusions: Exercise interventions for adults with brain tumours should be flexible, individualised, and supported by carers and healthcare providers. Moderate aerobic training is preferred, while resistance training remains underexplored. Addressing barriers and providing structured support may enhance uptake and adherence. Further research is needed to establish optimal program characteristics across disease stages.

Item ID:	91144
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	2045-7634
Keywords:	barriers, brain tumours, facilitators, perceived benefits, physical activity, preferences
Copyright Information:	This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.© 2026 The Author(s). Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Date Deposited:	08 Apr 2026 22:43
FoR Codes:	42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science > 420109 Rehabilitation @ 50% 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4207 Sports science and exercise > 420702 Exercise physiology @ 50%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2001 Clinical health > 200105 Treatment of human diseases and conditions @ 100%
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