Cancer management and medications.

proceed with knowledge.

cancer management and medications

We were made to move, to be active. I believe that there are rare occasions when a doctor would prohibit activity but there are some instances and reasons out there. Follow them.

This material is intended to inform and not to direct or state orders or protocols. More information can be found in the following excellent resource:

ACSM's Exercise Management for Persons With Chronic Diseases and Disabilities

These 6 methods include:

• Aerobic testing on a treadmill or cycle
• Endurance testing with a 6-12 minute walk
• Isokinetic and Isotonic Strength testing
• Flexibility via Goniometry and sit and reach
• Testing ADL ability, sit to stand and stair climbing for functional testing
• Neuromuscular testing through gait and balance analysis

Measures of testing, endpoints to testing and comments can be found in the above stated resource.

medication tips for exercise testing.

• Keep in mind that glucocorticoids can cause muscle weakness and wasting.
This can frustrate strength gain efforts.
• Bone pain can be caused by growth factors
Pain can then become your limiting factor for improving strength
• Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy can cause fatigue, anemia and nausea
Again, more strikes against gains but stick with it!
• Radiation therapy can cause skin break down that can become irritated with perspiration, muscle and joint movement and cardiopulmonary myopathies.
I rarely have to deal with perspiration problems!

special considerations for exercise testing

• By the time physical therapy happens on the scene, patients are usually debilitated and deconditioned.
• Active cancer treatment may cause muscle weakness and/or pain.
• Other modes of testing or exercise may need consideration for patients who can not walk due to the cancer or the treatment.
• Patients on active treatment may have access lines to be aware of.
• An acute change in the general health status of the patient is a contraindication to exercise. It is vital to assess your patient before each exercise session.
• Patients are an increased risk of bleeding if platelet count is <50,000/mm3
• Consider cardiovascular risks (co-morbidity) especially when your patient is anemic

Cancer management and medications understanding are critical in the success of your program. Proceed with knowledge!

medication tips for exercise programming

Exercise Programming differs in Exercise Testing in that testing deals with methods of, measures of and endpoints of finding a baseline to start with.

Before we discuss medications, suffice it to say that exercise programming deals with the modes, goals and intensity, frequency, duration for exercise.

The various modes of exercise for the cancer patient are:

• Aerobic
The goal here to improve work capacity, control body weight, improve mood, reduce fatigue and improve quality of life.
• Strength
Looking to improve strength and increase power.
• Flexibility
Here trying to improve ROM and decrease stiffness.
• Functional
Goal is to maintain as much independence as possible, return to work, improve walking and balance

The intensity, frequency and duration are something a qualified personal trainer or physical therapist should set up. These guidelines can be found in the following valuable resource.

ACSM's Exercise Management for Persons With Chronic Diseases and Disabilities

• Keep in mind that glucocorticoids can cause muscle weakness and wasting.
• Bone pain can be caused by growth factors
• Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy can cause fatigue, anemia and nausea
• Radiation therapy can cause skin break down that can become irritated with perspiration, muscle and joint movement and cardiopulmonary myopathies.

Cancer management and medications that they are on play a bigger role than one can imagine. Proceed with knowledge!

special considerations for exercise programming

• Intensity, frequency and duration are very difficult to make with little research available for guidelines.
• Exercise programs must be progressive in nature for all cancer patients and survivors. More challenge when ability warrants.
• Changes in medical condition warrant possible adjustments in exercise programs

Cancer management and medication review are crucial to the success of any physical therapy program. Proceed with knowledge!

Back to Cancer Overview from Cancer Management and Medications

Free Fitness Analysis