Leukemia is a form of cancer that affects the bone marrow and the body's other blood-forming tissues. Symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, bruising, swollen lymph nodes and excessive sweating. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell transplants. Speak to your doctor about exercising during and after leukemia treatment.
Benefits
According to an August 2009 study conducted at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, researchers found that leukemia patients who exercised experienced less fatigue, mood improvements, improved cardio endurance and better quality of life. For three to five weeks, patients were given an exercise prescription to complete during their hospital stay. A two-week home exercise program was also followed as part of the study.
Types
The exercises completed during the University of North Carolina study included stretching, aerobics, resistance exercise and core training. To avoid complications, the exercises should be kept low-impact and may include walking, riding an exercise bike at a low speed, swimming and low-impact aerobics. A light weight can be used for resistance and to complete exercises such as biceps curls, triceps extensions, lunges and squats. After treatment, you should spend three to five days per week participating in moderate forms of aerobic activity such as brisk walking, cycling, gardening and jogging.
Significance
It is important to exercise to prevent further complications down the road. According to a July 2007 study printed in the "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention" journal, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center researchers found that leukemia survivors exercise less and are at an increased risk of obesity. The study found that only 48.2 percent of leukemia survivors met the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for physical activity.
Precautions
You must take certain precautions before you exercise. For instance, if your immune system is compromised, your doctor may advise you to avoid using public fitness centers until your white blood count levels are elevated. Your red blood cell counts should also not be low if you plan to exercise. If you are receiving radiation therapy as part of your treatment, chlorinated pools should not be used for exercise.
References
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention"; Physical inactivity in adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a report from the childhood cancer survivor study; TA Florin et al; July 2007
- EurekAlert;Groundbreaking study shows exercise benefits leukemia patients; August 2009
- American Cancer Society; Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment
