Researchers suggest that a personalized exercise plan can really help people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. A recent study found that those who followed a tailored exercise routine were able to keep up their walking goals and feel sharper mentally compared to those who didn’t exercise.
Led by Dr. Karen Mustian and Dr. Po-Ju Lin from the Wilmot Cancer Institute, the study shows that up to 75% of cancer patients experience “chemo brain,” a condition where they feel foggy and have trouble with tasks like managing finances or medications. While there’s no single treatment for this, regular exercise may help reduce these symptoms. Studies indicate that just mild to moderate exercise can offer significant benefits, promoting better brain function and healthy immune responses.
Dr. Mustian collaborated with experts from the American College of Sports Medicine to create a program called EXCAP. This program is designed to be easy to follow at home and adaptable to a patient’s individual needs, including walking and using resistance bands.
The findings are featured in the March issue of the JNCCN-Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Dr. Mustian emphasizes the importance of educating patients about easy home exercises during chemotherapy, highlighting options like walking and resistance band routines.
In this study, nearly 700 patients from 20 oncology clinics across the U.S. participated. They were split into two groups: one continued with standard care, while the other followed the six-week exercise plan during treatment. Before starting chemotherapy, patients averaged 4,000 to 4,500 steps each day. Those in the exercise group largely maintained their daily activity, whereas those without an exercise regimen cut their steps by 53%.
Dr. Lin pointed out that the structured approach to exercise really made a difference, noting, “Without it, patients often significantly reduced their walking and faced greater cognitive challenges.”
Interestingly, the most notable benefits were seen in patients receiving chemotherapy every two weeks. Researchers believe this may be due to the side effects associated with different treatment cycles; patients on more extended cycles sometimes have harsher side effects, making it tougher to stay active.
Lin stressed that non-drug interventions like exercise can be safe and effective ways to manage issues like brain fog. These methods are often more accessible and less costly than traditional treatments.
The Wilmot Cancer Institute also offers resources for cancer patients, including free guidance on exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness through its Pluta Integrative Oncology and Wellness Center.
As many experts advocate, staying active during treatment can be crucial for both physical and mental health. For those curious, more information about exercise during cancer treatment is available through the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
For detailed insights, check the essential references:
- University of Rochester Medical Center
- Journal reference: DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2025.7118
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Brain, Exercise, Research, Anti-Inflammatory, Brain Fog, Cancer, Cancer Treatment, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trial, Fatigue, Oncology, Walking
