|
by Howard Stidwill, Ph.D.
Depending upon the type of cancer, its stage and treatment protocol, therapeutic exercise should often be used as part of the treatment protocol in the cancer recovery continuum. The following benefits are general in scope with future articles being more specific and prescriptive in nature.
Aerobic activities utilize major muscle groups, are rhythmic in nature and are slow enough to allow the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the exercising muscles. Ideally, some form of aerobic activity will be done prior to flexibility and resistance exercises. Examples include walking, cycling and swimming. The use of aerobic exercises 20-30 minutes a day several times a week have been shown to minimize the effects of fatigue, nausea and depression for many cancer patients. It is also an effective vehicle for weight management which is particularly important in the rate of recovery for breast cancer patients. The increased circulation will also assist in the removal of waste products due to the effects of chemotherapy or radiation.
Moderate weight bearing exercise such as walking or lifting weights will minimize the loss of bone density that may result from metastasis to the bones, inactivity or the use of hormonal therapy.
Flexibility refers to the ability to move a joint through a complete range of motion (ROM) thereby allowing an individual to perform daily activities such as fixing one’s hair with less restriction and pain. Many cancer patients often lose their flexibility as a result of scarring of the connective tissue or skin related to surgery or radiation, as well as the shortening of muscles due to inactivity. Stretching prior to exercise such as after a warm shower or a daily walk is suggested. Stretching at the end of an exercise session is also an ideal time as muscles have been warmed up and are more pliable.
Strength
Many cancer patients lose strength simply due to a lack of use. This is common in breast cancer patients where patients are afraid to lift objects with an affected arm. Moderate strength or resistance training will assist in maintaining or rebuilding muscle mass and strength which is essential in performing many daily tasks such as carrying groceries or raking the leaves. Weights that are too heavy may, however, lead to muscle breakdown which is the opposite of what is desired.
Some cancer patients gain weight due to inactivity and hormone treatment. Those with advanced cancer often experience severe weight loss or cachexia due to the loss of fat and muscle. Aerobic activities will assist in the management of weight gain while light resistance exercise will maintain some degree of muscle mass for those experiencing cachexia. Exercise may also stimulate one’appetite which is often lost during chemotherapy.
Whether due to a “time-out” effect, biochemical changes or the increased body temperature of exercise exerting a calming effect, many symptoms of anxiety such as muscle tension or sleeplessness can be reduced or managed by moderate aerobic activity or by the slow meditative movements of tai chi.
Loss of control and identity is commonly associated with cancer diagnosis. Many of the physical benefits of exercise enable one to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and gain a greater sense of control and identity.
Whether biochemical in nature or by gaining a measure of control, exercise has been shown to reduce depression that is commonly associated with cancer.
For many, exercise classes may become an informal support group and become often support groups for those who dislike support groups. They may also provide needed structure and interaction for those who are no longer working and feel a sense of isolation.
A common mistake for cancer patients is “waiting to get better, to get better” or stated differently, they will wait until they feel better before beginning an exercise regimen or resuming an active lifestyle. While this may be appropriate during the treatment or immediate post-treatment phase, too often the rate of recovery or further treatment is delayed due to the deleterious effects of inactivity. As previously stated, exercise should be seen as part of an overall treatment protocol and not something to do when one feels better. I would, therefore, encourage patients to ask their oncologist to recommend an appropriate exercise program as part of their overall treatment strategy.
__________________________________________________
Howard Stidwill, Ph.D. is an author, speaker and President of InnerStrength Rehabilitation Services for Cancer Patients, Inc. InnerStrength's products and services are based upon the belief that therapeutic exercise should be seen as an integral part of one's treatment strategy. To learn more, please visit www.innerstrengthrehab.com.
 E-mail article to a friend.
|
