Table 2

Themes, subthemes and studies (online supplemental appendix 1 contains additional citations)

Main themesSubthemesStudies
Chemotherapy overpowers the body26 49–51 55–58 61 64 65
Negative physical effects impacting daily life26 49–51 55–58 61 64 65
Deterioration of physical capacity49 50 55 57 58 61 63–65
Exercise in battle with side effects49 50 55–58 61 63–65
Fatigue often worsens despite exercise49 50 57 58 63 64
Pain was a key factor following chemotherapy51 55–58
Positive benefit despite side effects49 51 55–58 61 64 65
A break from gloomy thoughts26 49 55 58 61 63 65
Helps with anxiety, despondency, feelings of depression and improves mood49–51 56–58 61 64 65
Advice and supervision from healthcare professionals49 51 55 61 63 65
Social relationships and support from family and friends51 57 58
A question of survivorship26 51 56–58 63 64
Dreams and plans after chemotherapy, outlook has changed51 56–58 64
Engaging in physical exercise not viewed as being life-prolonging50 63