As reported by Cancer Research UK from a study published in the British Journal of Cancer, high-intensity interval training has been shown to reduce fatigue and increase self-esteem for survivors of testicular cancer.
“Tiredness can be really debilitating for patients, so it is great that simple and specific ways to help combat this are being explored.”
– Martin Ledwick
The strenuous exercise regime provided the most benefit to men who had both the lowest overall fitness levels and who had been treated for testicular cancer.
After the 12-week exercise routine, the men in the study reported elevated energy levels and increase to self-esteem when compared to those who in the control group, who received the standard treatment. Additionally, they also experienced less fatigue and had more vitality after three months.
Study senior author Professor Kerry S Courneya based at the University of Alberta in Canada, said: “This small study shows the men who had the biggest increase in fitness saw the greatest benefits. This indicates higher intensity exercise, which increases fitness levels, has more impact than more moderate activity.
“What’s so exciting is that this programme would be easy to introduce to patients as it’s as simple as jogging for two minutes and walking for two minutes. It can also be specifically targeted at men who aren’t fit and suffer with tiredness.”
Martin Ledwick, Cancer Research UK head information nurse said: “This adds to the increasing evidence that exercise programmes can improve wellbeing and fatigue after cancer treatment. “Tiredness can be really debilitating for patients so it is great that simple and specific ways to help combat this are being explored.”
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Article Reference Source: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/cancer-news/press-release/2018-05-08-vigorous-exercise-reduces-tiredness-in-testicular-cancer-survivors-1
