Exercise and cancer

Abstract

Background:Colorectal cancer survivors are deconditioned through anticancer therapy. Furthermore, about 10% of them have a permanent ostomy which is associated with weakened abdominal muscles and an increased risk of a hernia. This case study reports on how a firefighter with rectal carcinoma and ostomy was trained to regain operational fitness.Methods:A 44-year-old firefighter (178 cm, 82 kg) with an adenocarcinoma of the rectum (diagnosed 24 months prior) had been treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and surgery. After 2 temporary ileostomies, a permanent colostomy was performed 14 weeks before the start of a 9-months training program. The program included sensorimotor, endurance, and strength training of increasing volume and intensity. Endurance, strength, and patient reported outcomes were assessed every 2 to 3 months.Results:Training frequency varied from 1 to 3 sessions/week, although 3 to 5 sessions/week were prescribed. Peak power output was 150, 158, 167, 192, and 175 watts at baseline, 2, 4, 6, and 9 months. Maximal oxygen uptake increased from 1.56 L/min (19.0 mL/min/kg) to 2.39 L/min (28.8 mL/min/kg) after 6 months. Maximal isokinetic peak torque (MIPT) of the knee extensors were 138.0 and 196.5 Nm (Newton meter) at baseline and 6 months. MIPT of the elbow and hip flexors increased from 51.8 to 66.0 Nm and 213.8 to 239.7 Nm, respectively, after 6 months. Physical fatigue decreased by 65% and distress by about 50% after 9 months. The firefighter passed a test for occupational fitness after 6 months and was permitted to work with an exterior crew on a pump truck.Conclusion:It is possible for colorectal cancer survivors with ostomy to regain occupational fitness for physically demanding tasks like firefighting through an individually tailored and supervised training program.

High-intensity interval training and hyperoxia during chemotherapy

“…Consistent with other studies investigating the effects of exercise in CRC patients, we also showed improvements in patient-related outcomes, such as QoL as well as emotional and physical functioning. [ 22 , 23 ] Interestingly, the EORTC QLQ-C30 revealed no changes in cancer-related symptom scales, including fatigue, while the FACIT-F revealed a slight improvement in the fatigue subscale. However, it should be noted that the EORTC QLQ-C30 was collected pre- and post-intervention, whereas the FACIT-F was completed prior to the first and last HIIT session.…”

The Evolving Role of Exercise in Cancer Patients: Recent Developments, Recommendations and Future Directions 2016

“…Considering the integration of exercise into standard clinical care, the most effective way might be a side effects-oriented exercise therapy pathway approach, which includes an initial patient screening with regard to existing symptoms or treatments that are closely linked with symptoms that can be addressed by exercise [20]. This would lead to some kind of standard operation procedures that can be integrated into clinical decision making systems.…”