Exercise Program For Cancer Patients Research Articles

EXERCISE AND CANCER PROGRAM: A PRESCRIPTIVE EXERCISE PROGRAM IN A NON-CLINICAL SETTING

INTRODUCTION & AIMS This study aimed to establish a low-cost, sustainable exercise program for cancer patients in Gippsland, Australia, where access to such programs was previously limited. By developing and implementing a collaborative program, the program aimed to improve the physical and psycho-social well-being of cancer patients while reducing burden on healthcare services. METHODS Collaboration between Latrobe Community Health Service, Morwell Leisure Centre, and Gippsland Integrated Cancer Service led to the development of a prescriptive exercise program to provide cancer survivors a sustainable cost-effective exercise and cancer program in a community leisure centre. Exercise physiologists provided initial assessments, in which clients allocated to group-based, one-on-one, or home-based exercise sessions. RESULTS After 12 weeks in the program, 100% of participants that had a reassessment improved on at least one physical test and all improved on a subjective measure like fatigue, depression, or self-worth. On average, they saw a 14.88% increase in leg strength, a 12.70% increase in grip strength, and a 16.65% increase in aerobic fitness. Additionally, they reported an average decrease in anxiety (10.96%), depression (1.59%), fatigue (6.09%), and reported illness symptoms (5.24%). Overall, participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the benefits of the program’s psycho-social support and the opportunity to exercise outside a healthcare setting. CONCLUSION Collaboration between healthcare and leisure centres can provide sustainable and cost-effective exercise programs for cancer patients, improving physical and psycho-social well-being while reducing healthcare burden. Participants valued the support, social interaction, and sense of belonging provided by the program.

Perspectives of patients with metastatic breast cancer on physical exercise programs: results from a survey in five European countries

BackgroundTo successfully implement exercise programs for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), services and patient education should consider patients’ knowledge, preferences, values, and goals. Hence, gaining insight into their perspectives on exercise and exercise programming is important.MethodIn this cross-sectional survey, we recruited patients with MBC from the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Sweden. We collected data on patients’ knowledge and skills about exercise and outcome expectations. We identified barriers to and facilitators of participation in exercise programs, and patients’ preferences for program content and modes of exercise delivery.ResultsA total of 420 patients participated in the survey. Respondents were, on average, 56.5 years old (SD 10.8) and 70% had bone metastases. Sixty-eight percent reported sufficient skills to engage in aerobic exercise, but only 35% did so for resistance exercise. Respondents expected exercise to have multiple physical benefits, but a few patients expected exercise to worsen their pain (5%). Not having access to an exercise program for cancer patients (27%), feeling too tired (23%), and/or weak (23%) were the most often reported barriers. Facilitators for exercising regularly were previous positive physical (72%) and emotional (68%) experiences with exercising, and receiving personalized advice from a physiotherapist or sport/fitness instructor (62%). Patients were most interested in walking and preferred exercising at a public gym, although there were differences by country. Fifty-seven percent did not know whether their insurance company reimburses exercise programs and only 9% would be willing to pay more than €50 per month to participate.ConclusionA large percentage of patients with MBC lack the skills to engage in regular exercise as recommended by exercise guidelines for people with cancer. Patients may benefit from personalized advice and appropriate training facilities to overcome barriers. When implementing exercise interventions, attention should be given to reimbursement and the relatively low willingness-to-pay.

Undergraduate Curriculum Designed to Facilitate a Cancer Exercise Rehabilitation Program.

In 2030, more than 22.1 million cancer survivors are expected to reside in the USA. A workforce knowledgeable in the unique issues of oncologic exercise design and delivery will help to fulfill the need for services that improve survivor health, prognosis, and quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this project was to describe the application of a cancer exercise rehabilitation training program on student performance benchmarks and patient outcomes. Thirty-seven kinesiology students were taught how to design an exercise program for cancer patients through face-to-face instruction (10h) and online material. Students created and delivered exercise prescriptions to cancer patients (n = 111) over 12weeks. Surveys evaluating student performance, patient fitness, and patient psychosocial outcomes were used to assess students' skill proficiency, ability to apply newly acquired knowledge, and academic/professional growth. A 2-way ANOVA evaluating student performance scores revealed a significant main effect of time (F(1, 165) = 22.92, p < 0.001), indicating that student performance was improved. Post hoc tests showed the "skill proficiency, knowledge and exercise leadership" dimension was significantly improved (p < 0.0001). Cancer patients had significant improvements in body composition, muscular function, flexibility, and balance (p < 0.05). Students succeeded in tasks directly related to content learned in prerequisite kinesiology courses, while 3weeks was required for students to become proficient in clinic-related duties. Ninety percent of the students reported that the internship was an excellent learning experience. The curriculum was successful in teaching students how to design and implement exercise programs that improve cancer patient fitness and QOL.

Patient preference and timing for exercise in breast cancer care.

Exercise is recommended following cancer diagnosis and may be particularly valuable for women receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapy treatments. We investigated breast cancer patient preference on exercise programming in a prospective manner and retrospectively assessed length of time between diagnosis and chemotherapy initiation. Sixty-seven newly diagnosed breast cancer patients responded to questions regarding exercise programming related to cancer treatment and surveys on current activity level. Additionally, a retrospective chart review was conducted on 500 random breast cancer patients. Age, cancer stage, treatment, and treatment dates were extracted. Women were interested in, or, absolutely wanted to, participate in an exercise program before treatment (76.2%). There was uncertainty regarding willingness to delay treatment; 49.2% were willing to delay their treatment if the program was recommended by their doctors, 41.8% would not, and 9.0% were too unsure to respond. However, women would like to hear information about an exercise program for cancer patients when they are first diagnosed (61.9%). We observed that 64.6% of women were below recommended levels of physical activity; yet, current activity was not associated with an interest in an exercise program or willingness to delay treatment. Retrospectively, we observed an average interval of 72.6±34.6days between cancer diagnosis and initiation of anthracycline-based chemotherapy treatment, with younger women with more advanced cancer receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Based on patient preference and length of time to chemotherapy initiation, a reasonable next step to promote the current recommendations for exercise could be to integrate exercise into breast cancer care earlier in treatment.

[Intervention Exercise Program for Cancer Patients with Breast Cancer].

Movement is a sign of life and regular physical activity has an indisputable influence on each and every person. When applied selectively to patients after cancer therapy, physical activity, including rehabilitation, positively contributes to complete recuperation and improves quality of life. Our interventional exercise program for cancer patients was prepared and implemented on the basis of reports in the medical literature and on the lecturers own experience. The interventional exercise program was divided into two parts - body and mind and body fitness. Besides increasing self-confidence and improving quality of life, the aim of the exercise program was to improve cardiovascular function, basal metabolism, muscular strength and endurance, and joint flexibility and to strengthen phasic muscles and stretch tonic muscles, both of which are important for balance.Key words: breast cancer - exercise - quality of lifeThe authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.Submitted: 15. 9. 2016Accepted: 5. 10. 2016.

Exercise in Clinical Cancer Care: A Call to Action and Program Development Description

A large and convincing body of evidence demonstrates the benefits of exercise for cancer survivors during and after treatment. Based on that literature, more cancer survivors should be offered exercise support and programming. Unfortunately, exercise programs remain an exception rather than the norm in cancer care. Not surprisingly, common barriers to the implementation of exercise programs in oncology include limited resources, expertise, and awareness of benefits on the part of patients and clinicians. To improve the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of cancer exercise programs, one proposed strategy is to combine the resources of hospital and community-based programs with home-based exercise instruction. The present paper highlights current literature regarding exercise programming for cancer survivors, describes the development of an exercise program for cancer patients in Toronto, Canada, and offers experiential insights into the integration of exercise into oncologic care.

Benefits from Participation in the Chemo Club: Psychosocial Insights on an Exercise Program for Cancer Patients

Recent research has established the important beneficial relationship between exercise and cancer rehabilitation and survivorship. However, the complexities of this interrelationship are as yet underexplored. This article presents the findings of a recent qualitative research study that examined the psychosocial benefits associated with involvement in an exercise club (the Chemo Club) specifically designed for cancer patients during or postchemotherapy from the perspectives of the patients. The findings validate the important benefits involvement in the Chemo Club provides its members and highlight the need for further initiates, hospital based and external, to establish such services for cancer patients.

암 관련 피로(CRF: Cancer-related Fatigue)에 미치는 운동의 효과

It has been well known that the cancer-related fatigue(CRF) is one of the most common and distressing side-effects of cancer or/and cancer treatment. In this study, the author reviewed the epidemical, experimental or pilot studies on the prevalence of CRF, the etiology of CRF as well as the effects of exercise intervention for cancer patients with CRF. This study also tried to find any updated exercise guideline of exercise prescription for cancer patients and cancer survivors. To date, it seems that increased pro-inflammatory cytokine activity might be the most potential underlying mechanism of CRF. However, to elucidate the correct etiology of CRF, further controlled and well designed researches are required. Through the review about the effects of exercise intervention for CRF, the author also suggest strongly that exercise should be considered as the most effective approach to deal with CRF and other side effects as well as to improve the patient`s physical function and the quality of life. There are also very important task of developing the relevant and effective exercise program for cancer patients through the cooperation among the oncologists, exercise physiologists, fitness specialists.

Health benefits of a multidimensional exercise program for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

8010 Background: Cancer patients frequently experience considerable loss of physical capacity and well-being when diagnosed and treated for the disease. This study aims at evaluating the health benefits of a multidimensional exercise program for cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: The program includes high and low intensity activities (physical exercise, relaxation, massage and body-awareness training) carried out in groups of 7–9 patients 9 hours weekly for 6 weeks. Ninetythree patients with different cancer diagnosis were included, 82 completed the program of these 39 received adjuvant chemotherapy (2/3 breast cancer patients) while 43 were treated for advanced disease. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max) and repetition maximum strength (RM) were compared prior to and after completion of the program. Psychosocial well being and side effects were evaluated using questionnaires (EORTC, QLQ-36, SF-36,HAD) interviews and patient diaries. Results: VO2 max improved 16%, RM 40% (p<.001). Fatique, insomnia, constipation, diarrhoe and pain improved significantly. All 9 indicators of general well-being (SF-36) improved significantly including physical role (p<.0001) and emotional role (p<.0007), the latter in particular among elderly patients. Conclusions: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy can significantly increase muscular strength, physical fitness and physical activity level, actively reduce treatment related side-effects and improve their quality of life by participating in a multidimensional exercise program. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

1172 Feasibility, physical capacity, and health benefits of a multidimensional exercise program for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

1172 Feasibility, physical capacity, and health benefits of a multidimensional exercise program for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Feasibility, physical capacity, and health benefits of a multidimensional exercise program for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Cancer patients frequently experience considerable loss of physical capacity and general wellbeing when diagnosed and treated for their disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, physical capacity, and health benefits of a multidimensional exercise program for cancer patients during advanced stages of disease who are undergoing adjuvant or high-dose chemotherapy. The supervised program included high- and low-intensity activities (physical exercise, relaxation, massage, and body-awareness training). A total of 23 patients between 18 and 65 years of age (median 40 years) participated in groups of seven to nine patients for 9 h weekly for 6 weeks. Physical capacity in terms of repetition maximum (RM) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max), physical activity level and psychosocial wellbeing (EORTC QLQ-C30, SF-36, HAD) were compared prior to and after completion of the program. The program was safe and well tolerated. The completion rate was 85.2%. Highly significant increases in physical capacity (1RM, VO(2)max) and an improved level of physical activity were achieved. Quality of life and general wellbeing assessments indicated improvements in several measures, but without reaching significance. It is concluded that an exercise program, which combines high- and low-intensity physical activities, may be used to prevent and/or minimize physical inactivity, fatigue, muscle wasting and energy loss in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.