Researchers from the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester reported on Mar. 13 that a tailored exercise program can help individuals undergoing chemotherapy maintain physical activity and mental sharpness. The study, led by Karen Mustian, PhD, MPH, and Po-Ju Lin, PhD, MPH, RD, found that patients who followed a prescribed regimen of walking and resistance band exercises were able to keep up their daily step goals and experienced less cognitive decline compared to those who did not exercise.
The findings are significant because up to 75% of cancer patients experience cognitive difficulties known as “chemo brain,” which includes symptoms like brain fog and trouble managing daily tasks. There is currently no standard treatment for chemo brain, but previous research has suggested that consistent exercise may help reduce these symptoms.
The exercise prescription used in the study was developed in collaboration with American College of Sports Medicine professionals. It was designed to be safe during chemotherapy and practical for home use. The program included progressive aerobic walking and resistance band exercises tailored to each patient’s abilities.
“This is a safe and simple exercise prescription that can be an important part of supportive care for anyone going through chemotherapy,” said Mustian. She added, “Cancer care providers should educate their patients about home-based options such as walking and resistance band exercises as part of optimal care, and when needed they should refer patients to exercise oncology specialists can tailor programs to individual capabilities.”
The phase 3 clinical trial enrolled nearly 700 patients from 20 community oncology clinics across the United States. Participants were randomized into two groups: one received standard care without exercise while the other followed the six-week exercise prescription during chemotherapy. All participants tracked their daily steps and exercises.
Results showed that many in the exercise group maintained their usual daily steps during treatment, while those in the non-exercise group reduced their steps by more than half. Patients who exercised also reported being mentally sharper.
Lin said having a structured exercise plan is essential: “It was striking to find that without a structured exercise prescription, patients receiving chemotherapy reduce their daily walking by half and experience notable increases in problems with thinking, memory, and mental fatigue.” The benefits were most pronounced among patients on two-week chemotherapy cycles; researchers are still investigating why this group saw greater improvements.
Lin also emphasized the importance of non-drug interventions for managing chemo brain: “Non-pharmacologic interventions, such as exercise, cognitive training, and mindfulness, are important for managing brain fog because they are safe, easy to use, and can often be delivered at low cost or even at home compared with expensive or clinic-based treatments.” Wilmot offers free evidence-based services including exercise programs for cancer patients through its Pluta Integrative Oncology and Wellness Center.
