Diagnosis of cancer: exercise as the key to quality of life

Pinkafeld, 7 October 2025 : Cancer patients often face ongoing physical, psychological and social challenges before, during and after their treatment. Regular physical activity has been proven to play a decisive positive role in this: It improves quality of life, alleviates side effects and helps patients cope with their illness. With its "Krebshilfe Bewegt" programme, Krebshilfe Burgenland offers those affected free exercise sessions supervised by physiotherapists at five locations. Katharina Seer, a graduate of the bachelor's degree programme in physiotherapy at University of Applied Sciences Burgenland , has now provided the first scientific findings on the effectiveness and perception of this programme in her final thesis

The exercise sessions, which are offered at locations such as Eisenstadt, Bad Sauerbrunn and Neutal, include strength training on equipment as well as open group activities. Burgenland is a pioneer in this area compared to the rest of Austria.

Katharina Seer used a questionnaire to survey physical activity behaviour before, during and after cancer treatment, the participants' motivation to exercise, the provision of information on the topic of exercise, expectations of and satisfaction with the programme, as well as the extent to which expectations were met. Of the 57 participants surveyed, 54 completed the questionnaire in full.

The participants were particularly positive about

• the individualised support from specialist staff (rated as "important" by 72.2%)
• the improvement in physical fitness (70.9% "important")
• Improving quality of life (emphasised as a key aspect by 68.5% of respondents)

Despite the positive response, the study also revealed potential for improvement. It was criticised that information about the benefits of exercise was often only communicated after cancer treatment. Early, individualised information - ideally at the time of diagnosis - could further increase the motivation to exercise.

Another starting point is the integration of digital formats in order to reach less mobile or heavily burdened patients. Such programmes could break down barriers and appeal to new target groups.

The results of the study emphasise the central role of physiotherapists in promoting physical activity in cancer patients. They should not only be involved in aftercare, but also before the start of medical therapy. Prehabilitation - i.e. preparation for treatment through targeted exercise - could be a promising approach to support patients at an early stage.

Her conclusion: The "Krebshilfe Bewegt" programme makes a valuable contribution to oncological aftercare in Burgenland. The further development of the programme and accompanying research can help to sustainably improve the care of cancer patients and increase their quality of life in the long term.

More about studying at the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences at www.hochschule-burgenland.at

Press photo

Enquiry notes:

Mag.a Christiane Staab │ Marketing and Communication │ University of Applied Sciences Burgenland GmbH │ Tel: +43 (0)5 7705 3537 │ E-Mail: christiane.staab(at)hochschule-burgenland.at