Overview of implementation strategies and measures to promote high-quality sport and exercise therapy for oncology patients in Germany

The article demonstrates that the physical and mental state of cancer patients can influence the effectiveness of treatment and the incidences of side effects, which in turn can greatly affect the quality of life. Studies show that regular physical activity, especially structured sports and exercise therapy, is very supportive throughout the course of cancer. Despite these findings, the necessary structures for comprehensive exercise therapy are often lacking, as reported by patients and oncology professionals. Barriers such as lack of information, organisational deficits and personal obstacles e. g., secondary illnesses or lack of time are mentioned. Although new concepts such as the OnkoAktiv network and the "Oncological training and exercise therapy (OTT)" care model are being developed and expanded, clear and standardised prescription channels are still lacking. The article emphasises that interdisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive knowledge of sport and exercise therapies are crucial in oncology. In spite of this realisation, many cancer patients are insufficiently physically active and are rarely informed about the benefits of sports and exercise therapy. Nonetheless, sports and exercise therapy has already been successfully implemented in many large oncology treatment centres. In this respect, strategies for the sustainable promotion of physical activity such as strengthening self-efficacy and creating realistic goals, individualised and supervised training support are considered to be important factors. However, the need to improve structures, raise awareness and increase research should be emphasised. In addition to this overview, two projects funded by German Cancer Aid are described in detail with the aim of closing the existing gap in care and establishing exercise therapy as an integral part of cancer treatment.