Brain cancer is categorized into two types: primary and secondary. Primary develops in the brain and secondary develops in other parts of the body before moving into the brain. More than 17,000 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with primary brain cancer annually. Brain cancer exercises help improve individual strength, physical capabilities and activity levels that make functioning in everyday life more comfortable.
Benefits
Brain cancer exercises offer many health benefits. Exercises increase your body's tolerance for undergoing arduous cancer treatments, according to the Brain Cancer Center. Daily physical activity will also increase bone density, self-confidence, independence, blood circulation, heart rate, joint flexibility and muscle strength. Other benefits of exercise include lowering your risks of developing other health ailments such as diabetes and heart disease, maintaining weight, lowering cholesterol and/or blood pressure levels and depression levels by encouraging a positive mental outlook, according to the American Heart Association.
Stress Reduction
Stress reduction exercises will lessen the strain of dealing with brain cancer. Lowering stress levels can help manage any side effects related to treatment programs, according to American Brain Tumor Association. In addition to exercise being a natural stress reliever, other complementary treatments such as music therapy, self-guided imagery, yoga and meditation will lower stress and anxiety levels.
Types
Different types of brain cancer exercises are available. Occupational therapy exercises will make performing everyday tasks such as dressing, toileting, eating and showering more comfortably accomplished, according to the Brain Cancer Center at braincancer.com. Resistance exercises will help strengthen muscles. Aerobic exercises can increase heart rate while keeping the cardiovascular system functioning properly. Stretching exercises can keep the musculoskeletal system flexible, prevent injury, improve posture, encourage muscle balance and improve mobility, according to BrainCenter.com.
Walking
Walking is suggested as a daily exercise to ease the side effects of cancer treatments, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. Going for solo nature walks and focusing on your surroundings can place your mind and body into a peaceful place while reducing your stress levels. Taking time for yourself will increase energy levels while improving your psychological state. Walking is the recommended exercise, according to the American Heart Association, due to its low dropout rate, low start-up cost and high convenience factor. Start walking for 5 to 10 minutes and shoot for a goal of 30 minutes. Walking the dog more often, walking to your co-worker's desk instead of calling and walking either before breakfast, during lunch hour or after dinner offer ways to get more exercise into your daily life, according to the American Heart Association.
Warning
Not all exercises will work for all brain cancer patients. Exercise programs are individually developed according to specific medical needs and conditions. Never overdo any exercise routine, doing so will increase fatigue levels and chances of injury. Remember to always wear proper clothing and footwear to prevent any injury while exercising. Do not use any sudden, dramatic increases in intensity levels. Instead, gradually increase intensity and duration levels to avoid injury.
