Mary Niamh Podmore

• BSc (Hons) Psychology
• A Systematic Review of the Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Childhood Cancer Survivors (CCSs) have an increased risk of developing serious cardiovascular problems.  Physical activity (PA) is important for CCSs’ cardiovascular health however studies have shown that CCSs engage in less PA than young people without a history of cancer.  It is not well understood why CCSs have lower levels of PA and what may help them to be more active.  The aim of this research project therefore was to identify and evaluate previous studies which have tried to uncover the factors that influence CCSs’ PA levels and also to identify any gaps in the current literature.  This information can then be used by researchers at the Institute of Health & Society who are currently interviewing CCSs and their parents with an end goal of creating a behavioural intervention to help facilitate PA in CCSs.      

Funding Source: Newcastle University

Project supervisor: Dr Morven Brown, Professor Linda Sharp and Dr Vera Araujo-Soares