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Exercise and Cancer-Related Fatigue Syndrome

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Exercise and Cancer Survivorship

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Abstract

CRF is the most frequently reported symptom affecting up to 90% of cancer patients. CRF is distinguishable from normal tiredness in that CRF symptoms are severe, distressing, and are not relieved by rest or sleep. While the mechanisms and contributing factors that lead to CRF are unclear, good evidence exists for promoting exercise as an intervention to combat CRF. Currently, more than 20 RCTs have examined the effects of exercise on CRF scores. Despite methodological limitations and small sample sizes, the evidence suggests that exercise can improve CRF both during and after cancer treatments. Current guidelines for exercise prescription in this population recommend a progressive aerobic exercise program of 20–30 min.session–1, 3–5 days.week–1 at a moderate intensity of 60–80% of MHR. Further research is needed that examines potential mechanisms by which exercise influences symptoms of CRF.

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Acknowledgment

Kerry S. Courneya, Ph.D., is supported by the Canada Research Chairs Program and Research Team Grant from the NCI of Canada with funds from the Canadian Cancer Society and the Sociobehavioral Cancer Research Network.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada

    Margaret L. McNeely & Kerry S. Courneya

  2. Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada

    Kerry S. Courneya

Authors
  1. Margaret L. McNeely
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  2. Kerry S. Courneya
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Correspondence to Margaret L. McNeely .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Sport & Exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Collegiate Crescent Campus, Sheffield, S10 2BP, United Kingdom

    John Saxton

  2. Medical School, Dept. Primary Care & General Practice, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom

    Amanda Daley

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McNeely, M.L., Courneya, K.S. (2010). Exercise and Cancer-Related Fatigue Syndrome. In: Saxton, J., Daley, A. (eds) Exercise and Cancer Survivorship. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1173-5_2

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