Exercising while undergoing chemotherapy helps women with breast cancer experience fewer physical side effects, according to a new study.

Researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) indicate that another benefit is that the dosage of chemotherapy often needs less adjustment for these patients.

In the past, patients receiving chemotherapy were advised to take it easy, but it is actually better for them to be as active as possible. Even low-intensity exercise has a positive effect,” says Neil Aaronson, the study's author and a professor at NKI.

Movements to Improve

For their study, Aaronson and his team randomly divided participants with breast cancer into three groups. The first followed a moderately intensive aerobic and strength exercise program under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist.

The second group performed a low-intensity aerobic exercise program at home with the care of a professional nurse. The third group did not engage in any physical activity.

The study results reveal that all women who followed an exercise program experienced less fatigue, loss of physical condition, nausea, and pain during their chemotherapy treatment. However, the effect was more pronounced among participants in the first group.

Women who followed the supervised moderately intensive program tolerated chemotherapy better, but this does not necessarily mean that the outcome of their treatment is more positive,” clarifies Aaronson.

Support After Breast Surgery

The American Cancer Society states that it is important for women with breast cancer who have undergone surgery to support their treatment through exercise, as it helps them regain proper movement in their arms and shoulders.

If there is radiation therapy after surgery, exercises are even more important to preserve the flexibility of the arms and shoulders. Even if the patient did not undergo surgery, radiation therapy can affect movement long after treatment has ended,” it points out.

There are exercises that should not be performed until stitches or drainage tubes have been removed, and others that can be implemented shortly after surgery under the recommendation of a specialist.

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