The Impact of Frailty on Fitness Gains from an Exercise Oncology Program

Abstract

This study examined the impact of frailty on fitness gains among individuals living with and beyond cancer who participated in a 12-week multimodal exercise oncology program (ACCESS). Using secondary data from a sample with a mean age of 59.8 years (SD= 11.6), participants were classified as frail or non-frail based on Frailty Index scores derived from the Pictorial Fit-Frail Scale. Physical fitness outcomes—including walking distance, muscular endurance, grip strength, and balance—were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Participants were also stratified by age (<65 vs. ≥65) to explore age-related effects. Correlational analyses and repeated measures ANOVA were conducted. Findings revealed that frailty was weakly associated with reduced improvements in aerobic and muscular endurance, particularly among older adults. However, frail individuals still demonstrated meaningful gains, and frailty did not significantly limit improvements over time. These results suggest that structured exercise programs can benefit frail individuals living with and beyond cancer, reinforcing the value of inclusive exercise interventions and the need for tailored approaches in oncological rehabilitation.