How to exercise in different stages of cancer patients?
1、Treatment period and recovery period
Moderate exercise during the treatment period of cancer patients can improve body functions, relieve fatigue and improve quality of life. Those who have been sitting still for a long time before diagnosis should choose gentle low-intensity exercises, such as walking, slow cycling or stretching exercises, and then gradually increase the amount and duration of exercise after their bodies have adapted to them; patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy should choose low-intensity and short-term exercises; those who are older, have osteoporosis or bone metastasis of cancer cells, suffer from arthritis or peripheral neuropathy should pay attention to exercise balance and put safety first. Safety is the first priority to prevent injury or fall.
2、Stable period after treatment
In addition to a healthy diet, physical activity should be increased to improve the quality of life and prolong the life span of cancer patients. Exercise can improve cardiovascular function, maintain or increase muscle strength, relieve fatigue and weakness, and fight against bad moods, thus benefiting physical and mental health.
What are the exercises suitable for elderly cancer patients?
1、Endurance exercise
Common endurance exercises include aerobics, dancing or brisk walking, which can improve heart and lung function and circulatory system. Through the above exercises, things like climbing stairs or doing housework can be easily accomplished.
2、Strength training
Using elastic resistance bands, weight lifting, etc. are good strength training that can maintain or improve muscle strength and prevent muscle atrophy.
3、Balance exercise
Baduanjin, playing Taijiquan or standing on one foot are good balance exercises, which can make the body more stable and prevent falls. In addition, you can also do appropriate stretching or flexibility exercises, such as the practice of yoga.
Warm Tips
Exercise for cancer patients should not be rushed, but should be done gradually. In the early stage after surgery, you can focus on daily life training, such as turning in bed or limb movement; as your strength gradually increases, you can choose to walk, ride a bicycle, practice gymnastics and play tai chi, but you should not do strenuous exercises, and it is appropriate to sweat a little. Before and after exercise should pay more attention to their own diet, sleep and sweating and other symptoms, if after exercise feel energetic, sleep quality and good appetite, happy mood, no palpitations and shortness of breath, etc., that the exercise is just right. It is worth reminding that people with severe anemia, very low white blood cell count, and severe fatigue and weakness should not exercise.
