Aerobic Exercise and Chemotherapy - How to Manage Fatigue

Nearly everyone undergoing chemotherapy treatment will experience side effects. Among the most debilitating is fatigue. In fact, as many as 70 percent of chemotherapy patients will suffer from fatigue that disrupts their ability to do hold a full-time job or even maintain normal activities around the household. One of the most beneficial ways to alleviate fatigue also seems to be one of the least likely solutions. When fatigue sets in, the first inclination is to take a nap. While short naps (20 minutes or less) may be beneficial to give the body time to calm down the nervous system, aerobic exercise of moderate intensity is truly the charm that holds fatigue at bay. The key is not overdoing it. Research supports that exercise at 75% of your heart rate maximum (HR max) or lower will help you manage fatigue without causing an energy crash. Use the following equation to find your HR max and then multiply that times .75 to find the upper threshold of intensity.

208 - .7 (your age) = HR max

If you are new to exercise or have not been regularly physically active for several months, ease into your new program. Start with 10-15 minutes at 60-70% HR max and slowly ramp up the intensity. Once you have worked up to 70-75% HR max, increase your exercise times until you have reached 30 minutes of aerobic exercise. Include a 3-5 minute warm-up if you are working up to 70-75% intensity during your session. Talk to your doctor about starting an exercise program so you can proceed safely. Also, be aware of any orthopedic limitations you may have that will dictate was type of aerobic exercise is best for you.

So get our there and move! Your body will thank you for it!