Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
24 October 2014 12:10
Training on a bike three times a week could improve cancer patients' fitness after chemoradiotherapy treatment but before surgery, doctors say
A pre-surgery fitness regime can return cancer patients to the same activity levels seen before chemoradiotherapy treatment - and within six weeks, researchers claim.
Doctors at the NIHR Southampton Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit have studied how "prehabilitation" - or exercise training prior to surgery - can improve function and quality of life in bowel cancer patients.
Prehabilitation is an exercise regime that occurs prior to any surgical operations but after a treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The researchers found that patients' fitness levels returned to pre-treatment levels following bike training three times a week.
Professor Mike Grocott, a consultant in critical care at Southampton General Hospital, and his team further found those who did not participate in the tailored exercise programme remained at post-treatment levels or saw their fitness deteriorate.
Figures show more than 9,000 people in the UK were diagnosed with the rectal form of bowel cancer in 2012. Holidays can be a good way for cancer patients and those undergoing treatment to get some rest and relaxation, as well as adding more exercise to their daily routines. Specialist travel insurance for cancer patients can be arranged.
Malcolm West, NIHR surgical academic clinical fellow, said interventions to improve a patient's recovery traditionally come after surgery, not before.
Despite the decline in fitness rectal cancer patients can experience after chemoradiotherapy regimes, the study co-author says the research has now shown "it can be reversed by a supervised, individually tailored, exercise training programme."
A total of 22 patients, with an average age of 64, completed the exercise programme at Aintree University Hospital and the University of Liverpool, with 17 placed in a control group.
After the year-long follow-ups, Dr Sandy Jack, a consultant clinical scientist and exercise specialist, said the team saw a reduction in length of stay, readmission rates and cardiorespiratory complications among the patients participating in the early exercise programmes.
The study has been published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia.
28 November 2019
Forget stopovers, sleeping pills and binging on in-flight entertainment. A slice of winter sun is just a short flight away.
[more...]
Will you see in 2020 from a totally new destination? See how they celebrate around the world.
18 November 2019
Keen to get under the skin of the samba city? Take a look at some of the must-sees and must-dos in Rio de Janeiro.
While the Amazon amazes, there's much more to Brazil than the world's largest rainforest. Join us for an expedition into the country's lesser known natural attractions.
12 November 2019
The nation on the Nile offers intrigue beyond your wildest imagination. Check out our top 5 things to see and do.
Immerse yourself in the food, parades and spirit of America's favourite holiday, across five unique locations.
04 November 2019
Head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun, sea and spectacles of the wild kind.
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...
Escape the UK's shorter autumn days and head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun and sporting fun.
21 October 2019
Struggling for holiday inspiration? Let us inspire you with our list of book-themed breaks.
Check out our top recommendations to make the most of your time in Frankfurt, on the River Maine.
30 October 2019
What quirky customs await you on your travels this Halloween?