Balance - Staying Functional Through Chemotherapy

The side effects of chemotherapy treatment can be debilitating for cancer patients. If you are undergoing chemo, you may experience a number of changes that will shift the way you move through daily life...literally. Among the list of possible challenges are the loss of static and dynamic balance in the body. If you notice a change in steadiness, whether it's standing or walking, this may be due to the impact of chemotherapy drugs on the nervous system. The ability to find balance or equilibrium in an upright posture, is achieved by three mechanisms: vestibular or inner ear function, vision, and proprioception or musculoskeletal feedback. The effect on the nervous system may be evident by the change in our proprioceptive function. The proprioceptors are a network of small sensory organs that are found in our joint cartilage, muscles, tendons and connective tissue that give us input about where our limbs are in space. When the central nervous system receives this input it responds by sending the appropriate motor output to keep us upright. Chemotherapy effects the chemical reception of the nerves leading to the proprioceptors which then compromises balance.

So then, how can you keep your balance and maintain function through treatment? The key is maintenance which is achieved by doing. The nervous system orchestrates the movement of the body and when we don't place appropriate demands on the conductor the body will not be fluid and maintain dynamic balance, much like a symphony out of tune. As tuning and practice make for a better symphony, so does frequency and specificity of training create a nervous system that keeps you balanced. Exercises for balance are specific to this function and because the nervous system is inclined to activate patterns that are initiated with regularity, balance exercises performed every day provide the greatest benefit.

A good place to start is single-leg balance with progression to complex arm movements. Start at a countertop that is high enough to allow you to be in an erect posture. Draw the muscles below the navel towards the spine and keep the hips level from side to side. Stand on one leg for 15 seconds and then switch to the other leg. If this feels steady, attempt this without holding on to the countertop, but stay close by until you feel strong. Progress the time to 1 minute. Increase the difficulty by bringing the arms overhead or making figure 8's with the arms. A more advanced exercise would be ball tossing while on one leg. Progress only as you feel safe to do so. And again, performing these exercises everyday is the communication the nervous system needs to minimize the effects of chemo and keep you moving!