Exercise counteracts cancer treatment’s harshest side effects |
A comprehensive review of 80 studies has found that specific types of exercise can significantly reduce the side effects of cancer treatments. The analysis, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found 485 associations between exercise and cancer treatment outcomes across breast, prostate, lung, digestive, and blood cancers.
The study found that different exercise types target specific treatment side effects. High intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts and tai chi reduced pain, while a combination of aerobic and resistance training fought cancer-related fatigue. Certain exercises helped improve cognitive function for people living with “chemo brain.” And aerobic exercises showed potential to protect the heart from chemotherapy-induced damage.
“[This] reinforces what we all suspected based on our own clinical experience,” explained Dr. Milan Sheth, quadruple board certified in oncology. “The symptoms that seem to be most impacted or improved included peripheral neuropathy, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, and shortness of breath. Equally important were improvements in the patient’s quality of life, in terms of muscle strength, healthier body composition, sleep quality, and enhanced mood.”
What makes exercise so effective against treatment side effects, and which cancer types benefit most from exercise programs? Jump to “Cancer treatment side effects: Exercise may reduce pain, fatigue” to find out.
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