Fitness Friday

Moderate Physical Activity Could Reduce Fatigue & Cognitive in Cancer Survivors

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, reduces risk of fatigue & "chemo brain".

The majority of cancer survivors leave chemotherapy treatment feeling overly fatigued and mentally exhausted, but according to recent research conducted by the University of Illinois, moderate activity may be the answer to the post treatment woes. Many patients who have just undergone treatment often complain about memory problems or shortened attention spans, much like the decline seen in age related memory problem patients. Researchers, on the basis of the previously mentioned complaints and past studies concluding a positive link between exercise and age-related memory loss, looked at the association between physical activity, cognitive function and fatigue in 300 breast cancer roughly survivors. The researchers utilized an accelerometer and  a neuroscience app called BrainBaseline include and utilize questionnaires and activities that measure attention , memory and multitasking skills. The results exhibited a correlation between higher results on the activities and questionnaires and those who partook in more physical activity. More research is currently being conducted to affirm this data, and further establish a correlation.

The American Cancer Society lists these further effects that survivors can receive upon further exercise:

• Keep or improve physical abilities
• Improve balance and reduce risk of falls
• Lower the risk of heart disease
• Reduce nausea
• Improve ability to retain social contacts
• Improve quality of life
• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Improve weight control
• Improve blood flow and reduce risk of clots
• Reduce fatigue