A phase 3 clinical trial tested whether a structured exercise prescription can reduce cognitive problems often called chemo brain. The trial enrolled patients who were receiving chemotherapy for the first time for various cancers. Participants were randomly assigned to standard care or to a six-week exercise program called EXCAP.
EXCAP, developed with exercise professionals, is a low-cost, home-based, personalized program that mixes progressive aerobic walking and resistance-band exercises. All participants recorded daily steps and exercises. Before chemotherapy, patients walked about 4,000 to 4,500 steps a day. Researchers note patients usually walk less during chemotherapy because of fatigue, weakness, nausea or other factors.
Many people in the exercise group maintained their daily steps, while those in standard care reduced steps by 53%. People who followed EXCAP also reported they were mentally sharper. Benefits were strongest for patients on two-week chemotherapy cycles, a pattern the researchers are still trying to explain.
Difficult words
- clinical trial — a medical study that tests treatments in people
- cognitive — relating to thinking, memory, or mental skills
- chemo brain — a change in thinking after cancer treatment
- chemotherapy — drug treatment that kills cancer cells
- aerobic — exercise that increases heart and breathing rate
- resistance-band — an elastic band used for strength exercises
- fatigue — extreme tiredness or lack of energy
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you try a home-based program like EXCAP during treatment? Why or why not?
- Which reasons does the article give for why patients usually walk less during chemotherapy?
- Why do you think benefits were strongest for patients on two-week chemotherapy cycles? Give one possible explanation.
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