Chemotherapy can cause vomiting and nausea. In addition to destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy can kill healthy red blood cells that deliver oxygen throughout your body. The abscence of red blood cells leads to fatigue. While exercise might seem impossible in the presence of these side effects, it is probably one of the best ways to cope and improve overall quality of life. Always consult with your doctor before beginning an exercise program if you have cancer.
Yoga
A study published in the November 2007 issue of "European Journal of Cancer Care" found yoga offered many benefits for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. During a course of treatment, patients either underwent 60 minutes of yoga daily or received standard supportive care. The group practicing yoga reported a significant decrease in the frequency and intensity of nausea compared to the control group. They also reported some relief from depression, anxiety and overall distress. If you have never taken yoga before, look for a gentle yoga class or a beginner's class.
Tai Chi
Like yoga, tai chi represents a mix of physical exercise and meditation. It involves a series of slow, fluid movements that aim to reduce stress and promote health and relaxation. Its low-impact nature does not demand that you fully extend your joints or stretch connective tissue; your muscles remain relaxed the whole time. Harvard Health Publications reports tai chi helps patients manage chemotherapy's side effects. It noted one study in particular conducted in 2008 at the University of Rochester that found breast cancer patients practicing tai chi for 12 weeks reported improvements in a wide range of areas, including overall quality of life.
Aerobic Exercise and Strength Training
A study conducted in Denmark and published in a 2009 issue of "British Medical Journal" looked at the effects of a mix of low- and high-intensity exercises that included aerobic exercise and strength training. The study included 269 patients suffering from 21 different types of cancer. For six weeks, the patients in the exercise group did about 9 hours of exercise a week. Compared to the control group, they experienced significantly less fatigue -- this held true even in patients with advanced stages of cancer. They also reported improvements in vitality and emotional well-being.
Patinets combined leisurely walking, running and interval training -- alternating between intense bursts of activity and reduced activity. Strength-training activities included weight-lifting, pushups, squats and lunges performed twice a week.
Exercise Considerations
The American College of Sports Medicine published its exercise recommendations for cancer patients in 2010, advising that patients aim for the same amount of aerobic exercise suggested for the general public -- at least 150 minutes weekly.
While exercise has proven beneficial for dealing with chemotherapy, you should not push yourself beyond what you can comfortably handle. The type of cancer you have affects what types of exercise you can safely perform; therefore, check with your oncologist before attempting a new exercise routine.
References
- European Journal of Cancer Care: Effects of an Integrated Yoga Program on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Emesis in Breast Cancer Patients: Raghavendra RM, et al. November 2007
- Cancer Quest: CAM: Yoga, Tai Chi
- Harvard Health Publications: The Health Benefits of Tai Chi
- Science Daily: Exercise Reduces Fatigue In Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
- American College of Sports Medicine: New Guidelines Strongly Recommend Exercise for Cancer Patients, Survivors
