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Breast and prostate cancer patients often suffer from cancer-related fatigue. While not well-understood, cancer-related fatigue may hamper a cancer patient’s recovery and quality of life. Researchers at the University of Rochester investigated the feasibility and results of 4 weeks of home-based aerobic exercises combined with progressive Thera-Band® resistance band strengthening exercises. 38 patients with breast or prostate cancer beginning radiation therapy were randomized into a control group or exercise group. The exercise group subjects were given an exercise kit containing written instructions, a pedometer, and 3 progressive Thera-Band resistance bands. They exercised 7 days a week and were encouraged to walk 10,000 steps a day for the aerobic component. They also performed 11 upper body exercises with progressive Thera-Band resistance (Download the Thera-Band cancer radiation therapy strengthening exercise program here).

The exercise group demonstrated good adherence (79%), and reported significantly more physical activity levels than the control group at the 3-month follow-up. In addition, the exercise group reported significantly less fatigue and higher quality of life compared to the control group. While not statistically significant, the exercise group maintained their muscle mass at 3 months follow-up, while More >