Exercise helps cancer patients

Strength training can form an important part of healing for cancer patients, writes noted fitness expert PEG JORDAN.

LONG bouts with pain and medication often leave cancer survivors exhausted and grateful to have beaten the illness, even if temporarily. But new research shows that some patients have found new strength through exercise programmes "Once I started my exercise programme, I noticed I could sleep better, I was stronger, my depression was barely noticeable, and I was medicine-free," said one survivor in a medically-supervised exercise programme. "I became hooked on exercise. It was and is an important part of my healing."

The most effective training programme for cancer survivors should entail a four-component approach: (1) progressive resistive strength training, (2) aerobic training, (3) range of motion or flexibility training, and (4) mind-body fitness. These components are used in exercise programming for the general population and may be easily modified for the cancer patient.

* Strength training improves functional performance. Prescription for the cancer patient should take into account the patient's fitness level and other medical information about chemotherapy and pain levels. As fitness level increases, resistance exercises should also increase. Start out with a level of resistance (weight) that allows the patient to accomplish at least eight to 12 repetitions without excessive fatigue.

* Aerobic training, whether it is on the stair climber, stationary bicycle, treadmill or other machines, improves cardiorespiratory fitness. Specialists recommend training in a health club setting to have a variety of choices.

* A range of motion and flexibility training helps reduce scar tissue deficit and improve muscle imbalance.

* Mind-body fitness address proper breathing, meditation, relaxation, and other techniques designed to reduce pain, elevate mood and improve coping skills.

Quality exercise programming for cancer survivors results in several benefits for patients. Improvement of the immune system is chief among them. Several studies indicate that an increase in natural killer-cell activity can occur, even after only a few weeks of exercise. Some patients report an improved ability to tolerate chemotherapy. Hormonal changes are another significant benefit to the patient. Exercise seems to modulate hormone levels, especially estrogen, and could lower the risk of breast cancer as a result. In general, there are quality of life improvements once the exercise programme is undertaken, and even greater benefits once ie it is joined by group support.

You can read more about these exercise programmes in ACSM's Health and Fitness Journal, available online at www.acsm.org.

E-mail the writer at peg-hindu@hotmail.com

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