A nationwide study led by researchers at the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester found that individuals undergoing chemotherapy who followed a tailored exercise program were able to maintain their daily walking steps and reported better cognitive function compared to those who did not exercise, according to a March 13 announcement.
The findings are significant because they suggest that a simple, structured exercise prescription can support both physical activity and mental sharpness for patients receiving chemotherapy. The study is featured in the March issue of JNCCN-Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Karen Mustian, dean's professor of Surgery, Cancer Control, and associate director of Population Science at Wilmot, said: "This is a safe and simple exercise prescription that can be an important part of supportive care for anyone going through chemotherapy." Mustian also said: "Cancer care providers should educate their patients about home-based options such as walking and resistance band exercises as part of optimal care, and when needed they should refer patients to exercise oncology specialists can tailor programs to individual capabilities."
The phase 3 clinical trial enrolled nearly 700 patients from 20 community oncology clinics across the United States. Participants were randomized into two groups: one received standard care without exercise, while the other followed a six-week exercise prescription during chemotherapy. All participants tracked their daily steps and exercises. Before starting treatment, all patients averaged between 4,000 and 4,500 steps per day. During chemotherapy, those without an exercise plan typically reduced their activity due to fatigue or side effects; however, many in the exercise group maintained their usual step count while those in standard care reduced theirs by more than half.
Po-Ju Lin, research assistant professor and member of Wilmot's Cancer Prevention and Control research program, said: "It was striking to find that without a structured exercise prescription, patients receiving chemotherapy reduce their daily walking by half and experience notable increases in problems with thinking, memory, and mental fatigue." Lin emphasized that non-pharmacologic interventions like exercise are important for managing brain fog because they are safe and accessible.
The benefits were most pronounced among patients on two-week chemotherapy cycles rather than three- or four-week schedules. Mustian noted this may be related to differences in drug toxicity but said further research is needed: "Once a person starts lowering their activity levels, it is more difficult to get back to their baseline activity or maintain it. It may be possible that patients receiving chemotherapy on the three- or four-week cycles were experiencing more toxicity and more side effects."
Wilmot offers free evidence-based services for cancer patients including exercise programs through its Pluta Integrative Oncology and Wellness Center. Additional guidelines are available from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. The study was conducted through the University of Rochester/National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program Research Base.
