Exercising During and After Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Treatment
Exercising During and After Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Treatment
Exercising During and After Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Treatment
By Katrina Fu | Reviewed by Christina Poh, MD
By Katrina Fu | Reviewed by Christina Poh, MD
Research suggests that exercise is safe and beneficial for people with blood cancers, including peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Exercise during and after treatment can improve physical functioning, energy levels, and quality of life.
How Much Exercise Should You Aim For?
Aim for 300 minutes of moderate physical activity or 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week, or an equivalent combination. Also include strength or resistance training exercises (such as lifting weights or using resistance bands) three times per week, targeting major muscle groups. Stretching and flexibility exercises are also recommended.
How Much Exercise Should You Aim For?
How Much Exercise Should You Aim For?
Aim for 300 minutes of moderate physical activity or 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week, or an equivalent combination. Also include strength or resistance training exercises (such as lifting weights or using resistance bands) three times per week, targeting major muscle groups. Stretching and flexibility exercises are also recommended.
Aim for 300 minutes of moderate physical activity or 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week, or an equivalent combination. Also include strength or resistance training exercises (such as lifting weights or using resistance bands) three times per week, targeting major muscle groups. Stretching and flexibility exercises are also recommended.
Getting Started Safely:
Build up your activity level gradually.
If you were not active before your diagnosis, start with light activities such as short, slow walks and stretching, and increase slowly over time.
Talk with your healthcare team before starting or changing an exercise program.
How much activity you can safely do depends on your diagnosis, treatment, blood counts, age, fitness level, and other health conditions.
Your healthcare team may recommend:
A supervised exercise program or referral to a physical therapist.
Getting Started Safely:
Build up your activity level gradually.
If you were not active before your diagnosis, start with light activities such as short, slow walks and stretching, and increase slowly over time.
Talk with your healthcare team before starting or changing an exercise program.
How much activity you can safely do depends on your diagnosis, treatment, blood counts, age, fitness level, and other health conditions
Your healthcare team may recommend:
A supervised exercise program or referral to a physical therapist.
Special Precautions for Blood Cancer Patients:
Because PTCL treatments can affect your blood counts, be aware of the following:
If your platelet count is low (thrombocytopenia), you may need to avoid contact sports and high-impact activities. Your doctor may recommend gentler exercises such as walking, stationary cycling, or resistance bands.
If you have severe anemia, delay vigorous activity until your blood counts improve.
If your white blood cell count is low (neutropenia), avoid crowded gyms and public pools to reduce infection risk. Consider exercising at home or outdoors.
If you have peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in hands or feet), pay careful attention to balance and safety to reduce the risk of falls.
Always stop exercising and contact your healthcare team if you experience unusual bleeding, bruising, dizziness, chest pain, or worsening symptoms.
Getting Started Safely:
Because PTCL treatments can affect your blood counts, be aware of the following:
Build up your activity level gradually.
If you were not active before your diagnosis, start with light activities such as short, slow walks and stretching, and increase slowly over time.
Talk with your healthcare team before starting or changing an exercise program.
How much activity you can safely do depends on your diagnosis, treatment, blood counts, age, fitness level, and other health conditions
Your healthcare team may recommend:
A supervised exercise program or referral to a physical therapist.
Special Precautions for Blood Cancer Patients:
If your platelet count is low (thrombocytopenia), you may need to avoid contact sports and high-impact activities. Your doctor may recommend gentler exercises such as walking, stationary cycling, or resistance bands.
If you have severe anemia, delay vigorous activity until your blood counts improve.
If your white blood cell count is low (neutropenia), avoid crowded gyms and public pools to reduce infection risk. Consider exercising at home or outdoors.
If you have peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in hands or feet), pay careful attention to balance and safety to reduce the risk of falls.
Because PTCL treatments can affect your blood counts, be aware of the following:
Always stop exercising and contact your healthcare team if you experience unusual bleeding, bruising, dizziness, chest pain, or worsening symptoms.
What Are the Benefits of Exercise?
Among cancer patients, research suggests that regular physical activity may:If you have severe anemia, delay vigorous activity until your blood counts improve.
Improve quality of life, physical functioning, and emotional well-being
Reduce fatigue
Improve muscle strength and aerobic fitnes
Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
Help maintain a healthy weight and body composition
Improve sleep quality
Help you better tolerate treatment
See below for some examples of exercise you can try.
Moderate Intensity
Walking
Dancing
Leisurely biking
Yoga
Doubles tennis
Gardening
Gentle swimming
Vigorous Intensity
Jogging or running
Swimming laps
Aerobic dance
Remember:
Any amount of activity is better than none. Even on days when you feel tired, a short walk or gentle stretching can be helpful. Avoid sitting for long periods and try to take movement breaks throughout the day.
What Are the Benefits of Exercise?
Among cancer patients, research suggests that regular physical activity may:
Improve quality of life, physical functioning, and emotional well-being
Reduce fatigue
Improve muscle strength and aerobic fitness
Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
Help maintain a healthy weight and body composition
Improve sleep quality
Help you better tolerate treatment
See below for some examples of exercise you can try:
Moderate Intensity
Walking
Dancing
Leisurely biking
Yoga
Doubles tennis
Gardening
Gentle swimming
Vigorous Intensity
Jogging or running
Swimming laps
Aerobic dance
Remember:
Any amount of activity is better than none. Even on days when you feel tired, a short walk or gentle stretching can be helpful. Avoid sitting for long periods and try to take movement breaks throughout the day.
References
References
American Cancer Society Nutrition and Physical Activity Guideline for Cancer Survivors
American Cancer Society
Remember:
Any amount of activity is better than none. Even on days when you feel tired, a short walk or gentle stretching can be helpful. Avoid sitting for long periods and try to take movement breaks throughout the day