Supplementary Material for: Does Physical Activity Improve Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy?

Background: Improved cancer treatments have resulted in prolonged survival. Nevertheless, tumor symptoms and side effects still compromise physical activity and quality of life (QoL). Patients and Methods: We conducted an anonymous survey among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy using standardized questionnaires: the ‘Freiburger Fragebogen zur körperlichen Aktivität' (Freiburg Questionnaire on Physical Activity) and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30. Two main questions were addressed: were there differences (1) in physical activity and QoL between patients who do not believe that sport could improve their QoL and those who believe it could (group A vs. B); and (2) in QoL between patients with a total activity (TA) Results: 276 of 400 questionnaires were completed. Groups A and B were balanced in terms of baseline characteristics. Group A suffered significantly more from fatigue and pain; group B reported higher levels of global health status (GHS) and TA. Groups C and D differed in gender distribution, age, and educational background. Group D had significantly higher levels of GHS, group C suffered more from fatigue, pain, and appetite loss. Conclusion: Physical activity correlates with a better QoL of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.