Cancer-related fatigue: Can exercise physiology assist oncologists?

Most patients with cancer experience fatigue, a severe activity-limiting symptom with a multifactorial origin. To avoid cancer-related fatigue, patients are frequently advised to seek periods of rest and to reduce their amount of physical activity. This advice is reminiscent of that formerly given t...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Lucía Mulas, Alejandro, Earnest, C. P., Pérez Ruiz, Margarita
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2003
País:España
Institución:Universidad Europea (UEM)
Repositorio:ABACUS. Repositorio de Producción Científica
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:abacus.universidadeuropea.com:11268/5688
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/11268/5688
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Oncología
Ejercicio físico
Terapia física
Cáncer
Terapia
Deporte
Descripción
Sumario:Most patients with cancer experience fatigue, a severe activity-limiting symptom with a multifactorial origin. To avoid cancer-related fatigue, patients are frequently advised to seek periods of rest and to reduce their amount of physical activity. This advice is reminiscent of that formerly given to patients with heart disease. However, such recommendations can paradoxically compound symptoms of fatigue, since sedentary habits induce muscle catabolism and thus cause a further decrease in functional capacity. By contrast, there is scientific evidence that an exercise programme of low to moderate intensity can substantially reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve the quality of life of these patients. Current knowledge, combined with findings soon to be published, could launch new opportunities for patients with cancer. In this new century, exercise physiology could soon prove to be very useful for oncologists.