Ways Exercise can Improve the Quality of Life in Cancer Patients
You’re not Alone!
It is estimated that one in three Americans will be diagnosed with cancer within their lifespan. Prior to the diagnosis of cancer, 70% of patients were inactive or did not exercise on a regular basis. It is not too late to start increasing your physical activity levels!
Benefits from Exercise
Exercising before, during and after the diagnosis of cancer can be life saving for individuals, along with improving their physical and mental health. 240 cancer diagnosed patients were put on a twenty week strength training exercise program, and there were significant improvements in areas such as:
Physical changes due to exercise
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Mental changes due to exercise
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● Muscle strength
● Bone health
● Balance
● Fatigue due to cancer
● Cardiovascular fitness
● Decreased risk of forming secondary cancers
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● Anxiety levels
● Depression
● Improved quality of life
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Before and after the patients went through the twenty week exercise program, they were asked questions and had to give a one to ten score:
How much of your household tasks can you complete?
How much pain do you experience on an everyday basis?
How would you describe your quality of life?
What is your outlook on life?
Patients scores improved significantly to all of these questions comparing the results from before and after the exercise program.
Types of Exercises to do
It is recommended that patients who are diagnosed with should partake in aerobic, resistance training and flexibility exercises. Start low, and go slow! Individuals should not over exert themselves, especially when first starting to exercise.
Flexibility exercises- such as stretching or yoga to improve ranges of motion, decreases stress levels and decreases risk of injury.
Aerobic exercises- or literally “without oxygen” include exercises such as jogging, running, swimming, biking, etc. These exercises improve cardiovascular fitness significantly!
Resistance training- such as lifting weights, or isometric exercises. The goal of resistance training is to increase muscle strength and volume, while also improving balance and flexibility.
Practical Applications
After reviewing numerous different research journals, it should not only be advised for patients with cancer to partake, but should be required. There is significant research showing that cancer can not only improve your physical health, but can also decrease risks of forming secondary forms of cancer.
There is also no coincidence that 70% of cancer patients did not exercise prior to their diagnosis. In the future, patients should be given an exercise routine and should be monitored to document improvement along with making sure the patients are doing the correct exercises. Also, having the patients follow up to ensure improvement over time.
For additional information on exercises, view the following posts:
Information that should be known prior to starting exercise in the cancer population:
Exercise tips for patients diagnosed with cancer:
About the author:
Craig Conklin is currently a senior at Westfield State University pursuing a Movement Science degree with a concentration in sports medicine. His current research includes the specialization of exercise in the cancer population. For additional information or questions feel free to contact Craig at cconklin7026@westfield.ma.edu
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