A free six-week exercise program for people recently diagnosed with
cancer or undergoing treatment will begin at The University of
Queensland next month. “Exercise can improve how well cancer patients function physically
and mentally, improving their overall quality of life,” said Dr Skinner. "What we also know is that exercise can help counteract other chronic
illnesses that can affect adults with cancer such as cardiovascular and
metabolic diseases, which further compromise their health and quality
of life.”
Dr Skinner said she was hoping the clinic would be as successful as the Exercise Clinic for Prostate Cancer Survivors established at UQ four years ago.
"After only four exercise sessions, participants in the prostate
cancer clinic experienced positive benefits to their health including
significant improvements in functional capacity, muscle strength,
cardiovascular health, flexibility and balance,” she said.
"Participants also showed psychosocial improvements, including
increased vitality, social functioning, wellbeing and reductions in
stress.”
The new six-week program will start on April 22 with weekly one-hour
exercise sessions combined with information on the benefits of exercise
and tips on integrating physical activity into every-day life.
Participants will be given a personalised home exercise program to
help them maintain and advance their fitness levels after the program.