Fitness Exercise for Cancer Patients

Fitness Exercise for Cancer Patients

Currently, it is widely acknowledged that physical activity and exercise can improve the cardiovascular function, reduce fatigue, and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients. However, due to the various types of tumors, it is not possible to have a detailed fitness exercise plan suitable for all cancers. Before engaging in fitness exercise, cancer patients should undergo assessment and determine their exercise level. Particularly for certain tumor patients, such as lung cancer, multiple myeloma, and head and neck tumors, they should undergo electrocardiogram tests and cardiopulmonary function tests before exercising, and patients with bone marrow tumors should also have bone density scans to reduce exercise risks.

(1) Objectives of Fitness Exercise for Cancer Patients

Fitness rehabilitation exercise for cancer patients mainly focuses on postoperative recovery and the restoration and maintenance of the body's functions in cancer patients. Therefore, the objectives of fitness exercise for cancer patients are twofold. Firstly, to promote postoperative functional recovery and regain the ability for self-care; to improve appetite, sleep, and psychological state; and to enhance physical function and overall quality of life. Secondly, to strengthen cardiovascular function, improve muscle oxygen utilization, enhance muscle energy metabolism, alleviate muscle atrophy and bone loss, and relieve cancer-related fatigue. Additionally, to alleviate other cancer-related symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and nausea, and to improve the quality of life for patients.

(2) Key Points to Consider in Fitness Exercise for Cancer Patients

First, a rigorous physical examination must be conducted before exercise. If conditions allow, exercise stress tests should be performed to assess exercise function and better control exercise intensity to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Second, for cancer patients who are extremely weak after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, avoiding excessive fatigue during fitness exercise is crucial. Therefore, vigorous sports should be avoided, and appropriate exercises should be chosen with appropriate intensity and duration. In general, exercise should be ended when the individual feels comfortable, and one should not overexert oneself just because they feel good to avoid fatigue. If body temperature becomes too high, the condition relapses, or there is a tendency to bleed in certain areas, exercise should be stopped to prevent accidents.

Third, fitness rehabilitation exercise is a progressive plan for restoring bodily functions, and individual differences are significant. Therefore, it needs to be personalized, tailored to each individual's fitness exercise plan.

Fourth, bones are common sites for metastasis in many malignant tumors. To reduce the risk of fractures, high-impact exercises and sports involving contact with the body should be avoided. For patients who have undergone bone marrow transplants and have lower than normal white blood cell counts, they should avoid exercising in public areas with a high risk of microbial infections.

(3) Selection of Fitness Exercise for Cancer Patients

Currently, there are no specific requirements and recommendations for the selection of exercise for cancer patients. The main purpose is to improve or maintain the body's exercise function based on their exercise foundation and physical ability. Endurance exercises should be the focus, supplemented by strength and flexibility exercises. Exercise options can include individual exercises such as walking, jogging, climbing stairs, etc. If conditions allow, group activities or collective sports such as table tennis, tennis, badminton, basketball, volleyball, as well as organized activities such as square dancing and running groups can be chosen.

Exercise suitable for all postoperative cancer patients

(1) Walking, rehabilitation exercises, etc. Walking is suitable for all tumor patients except those who are bedridden, as it involves a small amount of exercise and is simple and easy to do. It is especially suitable for the early postoperative period, during chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and for older and weaker patients. Walking for about 30 minutes a day, consistently, can have benefits. Rehabilitation exercises are also beneficial.

(2) Traditional health-preserving exercises. Tai chi, qigong, etc. are among the first choice for cancer patients during the recovery period as they are gentle, light, and moderately intense. They can improve the body's functional state, enhance immune function and defense capabilities, and promote the recovery of the body after illness. By adhering to regular exercise daily, consciously practicing "moving with intention," "directing intention to energy," and "guiding qi with intention," gradually adjusting the body's physiological functions, enhancing physical fitness, and improving disease resistance.

Different exercise for postoperative tumor patients with different types of tumors

(1) Exercise for respiratory system tumors (lung cancer) patients. Lung function can be restored and strengthened through exercises such as blowing balloons and diaphragmatic breathing. Combining diaphragmatic breathing with rehabilitation exercises can significantly reduce postoperative complications of thoracic malignant tumors and improve cardiopulmonary function.

(2) Exercise for musculoskeletal system tumors (bone cancer, etc.) patients. Such patients often undergo amputation surgery due to the severity of the condition. Postoperative exercise aims to restore motor function. Patients can practice activities that involve using one hand, such as cooking, to compensate for the functional loss on the affected side using the healthy side.

(3) Exercise for digestive system tumors (gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, etc.) patients. Exercise should be aimed at adapting to the new lifestyle and improving digestive function through moderate exercise.

(4) Exercise for breast cancer patients. After surgery, early functional exercises for limbs should be performed to restore the joint and muscle functions on the affected side as soon as possible. This helps to relieve joint mobility limitations, muscle atrophy, and functional disorders caused by scar contracture and edema. Patients can gradually transition from finger and wrist flexion and extension exercises, fist punches to seated elbow flexion and extension, extension, adduction, and flexion of the affected upper limb.

Exercise options for cancer patients

(1) Low to moderate-intensity aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, etc. can be chosen based on the patient's condition and exercise ability, combined with their interests and preferences.

(2) Traditional health-preserving exercises such as tai chi and qigong.