It’s a simple action.
A recent study has shown that simple exercises performed during chemotherapy can significantly reduce the risk of nerve damage, a common side effect of cancer treatment. Published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the research found that cancer patients who did not exercise were twice as likely to experience long-lasting nerve damage compared to those who followed exercise routines.
Lead researcher Fiona Streckmann from the University of Basel emphasized the underestimated potential of physical activity. The study notes that 70% to 90% of chemotherapy patients report symptoms such as pain, balance issues, and sensations of numbness or tingling. While these symptoms can sometimes resolve post-treatment, they persist in about half of the cases.
The study involved 158 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with either oxaliplatin or vinca-alkaloids. They were divided into three groups: one group performed balance exercises on an unstable surface, another group used a vibration plate, and the third group received standard care without any exercise. The exercise sessions were held twice a week and lasted 15 to 30 minutes each.
Results showed that the exercise groups had a 50% to 70% lower incidence of nerve damage compared to the non-exercise group. Additionally, exercise improved patients’ overall quality of life, helped them tolerate higher doses of chemotherapy, and reduced their mortality risk. This suggests that exercise can play a crucial role in supporting cancer treatment and enhancing patient outcomes.
Streckmann pointed out the significant impact of chemotherapy-related nerve damage on treatment plans, often leading to reduced dosages or termination of chemotherapy. Despite the high costs of treating nerve damage, exercise offers a low-cost and effective alternative. Researchers are now developing guidelines to incorporate exercise into cancer treatment and are conducting studies in pediatric hospitals to explore similar benefits for children undergoing chemotherapy.
Discussion about this post