Exercise Therapy and the Cancer Patient

Exercise Therapy and the Cancer Patient

                                          
 
Depending on the type and stage of the cancer and the treatment protocol, a prescription of regular exercise should be seen as an important part of the treatment strategy. * This article will discuss some of the physical and psychological benefits of exercise and helping cancer patients to resume activities of daily life and a sense of normalcy. 


 In addition, a higher level of fitness will allow those passing through the cancer experience to tolerate treatments more effectively with greater adherence to the treatment program and perhaps better results.

Physical Benefits

Aerobic Capacity

Aerobic activities use large muscle groups, they are rhythmic in nature and are slow enough to allow the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to working muscles. They can be performed as part of a heating system or lead to other activities or as an activity more "independent". As part of a warm up, a kind of aerobic activity should be done before the exercises for flexibility and strength.


 Examples include walking, cycling and swimming. The use of aerobic exercise 20-30 minutes one day, several times a week has been shown to minimize the effects of fatigue, nausea and depression for many cancer patients. Increased circulation also helps eliminate waste due to the effects of chemotherapy or radiation.

Libra

balance training can improve balance which may be due to the loss of muscle mass or neurological damage such as neuropathy.

bone density

Exercise with moderate weight, such as walking or lifting weights will minimize the bone loss that can result from bone metastases or use of hormone therapy, such as estrogen therapy for prostate cancer tamoxifen for breast cancer.

Tiredness

Fatigue or what is known as cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is very common during treatment and post treatment. A spiraling effect often occurs whereby a person becomes less physically active and deconditioned. Therefore, the individual loses strength and becomes less. Aerobic and resistance exercise has been shown to participate in this cycle with less fatigue by the patient.

Flexibility

Flexibility is often lost due to the healing of connective tissue or skin associated with surgery or radiation and shortening of the muscles due to inactivity. Stretching before exercise, and after a hot shower or a daily walk is suggested. Stretching at the end of a workout is also an ideal time because the muscles are warmed and are more flexible. 


 Stretch slowly not use too much momentum or bouncing types of movement when stretched. Lifting weights slowly through a full range of motion often increase flexibility.

Strength

Many cancer patients lose strength simply because of the lack of use. This is common in breast cancer, where patients are afraid to raise with the affected arm. The strength and moderate resistance training will help maintain strength, which is essential in the execution of daily activities like carrying groceries or raking leaves.

Weight Control

Some cancer patients gained weight due to inactivity and hormonal treatment. People with advanced cancer often experience severe weight loss or cachexia due to the loss of fat and muscle. Aerobic activities help manage weight gain while light resistance exercise to maintain a certain degree of muscle mass for victims of cachexia. The exercise can also stimulate the appetite, which is often lost during chemotherapy.

Increased tolerance of treatment

While exercise will, unfortunately, not cure cancer therapeutic effects often allow greater tolerance of treatment. Greater adherence to the treatment regimen itself can, in turn, increase the likelihood of recovery. A common mistake for those undergoing treatment is waiting to feel better before starting the exercise and another said, "waiting for better, to improve" delay the process of recovery and return to his old self

Psychological Benefits

Anxiety

Whether due to an effect "time-out", biochemical changes or increase in body temperature of exercise has a calming effect, many of the symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension or lack of sleep, they can be reduced or managed by moderate aerobic activity or slow meditative movements of Eastern traditions such as Tai Chi.

Control

Loss of control and identity is often associated with a cancer diagnosis. Many of the physical benefits of exercise are used to perform the activities of daily living (ADL) and gain a greater sense of control and identity.

Depression

Whether biochemical in nature or gaining a measure of control, exercise has been shown to reduce depression is commonly associated with cancer.

Support

For many, exercise classes can become a group of informal support. In fact, one can say that the exercise classes often support groups for those who hate traditional support groups. They can also provide the structure and interaction necessary for those who do not work and feel a sense of isolation.

Proper exercise should not be seen as something that when you feel better or "waiting for better improvement." Instead, you will feel better once again active.

* Please consult your physician before beginning an exercise program.