Integration of Physical Activity into Palliative and Supportive Care at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers: A Scoping Review
Category: Research Poster
Author(s): Taylor Dowd
Presenter(s): Taylor Dowd
Mentors(s): Heather Leach
Background: Physical activity (PA) and exercise are increasingly recognized as beneficial interventions for individuals with advanced cancer, improving physical function, reducing symptom burden (particularly fatigue and pain), and enhancing psychosocial well-being. These outcomes align with the goals of palliative and supportive care, which aim to optimize quality of life and maintain functional independence. Despite this alignment, integration of PA into palliative oncology services remains inconsistent. Exercise programs are often established for patients receiving curative treatment but are less commonly used in advanced disease due to safety concerns, limited infrastructure, and unclear care pathways. In addition, existing literature is fragmented across trials, program descriptions, and quality improvement reports, making it difficult to understand how PA is implemented in real-world oncology settings. Methods: This scoping review will map evidence on the integration of PA within palliative and supportive care services at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Centers in the United States. The review will follow the JBI framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Eligibility will follow the Population–Concept–Context framework: adults with cancer receiving palliative or supportive care, interventions involving physical activity or exercise, and care delivered within or affiliated with NCI-Designated Cancer Centers. Searches will include MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus/Web of Science, the Cochrane Trials Registry, and grey literature sources. Two reviewers will screen studies and extract data on service models, implementation factors, and reported outcomes. Expected Impact: This review will characterize how leading U.S. cancer centers integrate PA into palliative oncology care and identify gaps to guide future implementation and research.