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Posted on Apr 15, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
New medical research suggests that exercise may be effective in helping patients cope with relentless cancer-related fatigue.
New medical research suggests that exercise may be effective in helping patients cope with relentless cancer-related fatigue.
Both mental and physical fatigue are normal side-effects of cancer and its treatment, often leaving patients persistently weary in body and mind.
Lead author of the study Fiona Cramp, a lecturer at the University of the West of England in Bristol, said: "Exercise shouldn't be used in isolation but should definitely be included as one of the components in the package of interventions used during and after treatment."
The researchers recommend walking 30 minutes a day three to five times each week as a general guideline in addition to stationary cycling as an effective way of managing chronic tiredness.
According to the National Cancer Institute, exercise, including light to moderate-intensity walking programs, can help improve physical energy levels, appetite and ability to function in cancer patients, in addition to providing a better sense of wellbeing and outlook to face the challenges of the illness and treatment.
