Intervention during chemo linked to lower decreases in VO2peak<\/sub>, health-related QoL, muscle strength immediately postchemotherapy<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Oct. 20, 2022 (HealthDay News) — An exercise intervention performed during chemotherapy can prevent fatigue and reduce decreases in cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak<\/sub>]), according to a study published online Oct. 18 in JACC: CardioOncology<\/em>.<\/p>\n Gabriela G.F. van der Schoot, M.D., from the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands, and colleagues conducted a clinical trial involving patients scheduled to receive curative chemotherapy who were randomly assigned to a 24-week exercise intervention, initiated during chemotherapy or afterward (groups A and B, respectively). The primary end point was VO2peak<\/sub> at one year postintervention. Patients with breast (139), testicular (95), and colon cancer (30) were included, as were two lymphoma patients.<\/p>\n The researchers found no difference between the groups in VO2peak<\/sub> immediately postintervention and at one year postintervention. Compared with patients in group B, those in group A exhibited significantly lower decreases in VO2peak<\/sub>, health-related quality of life, and muscle strength immediately postchemotherapy, and they reported less fatigue and more physical activity.<\/p>\n “These findings suggest that the most optimal timing of physical exercise is during chemotherapy. However, initiating a physical exercise program after chemotherapy is a viable alternative when exercising during chemotherapy is not possible,” one coauthor said in a statement. “We hope our findings motivate health care providers to guide patients to engage in exercise interventions during anti-cancer treatment.”<\/strong><\/p>\n Several authors disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical industry.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/i><\/p>\n