FEATURE: EXERCISE ONCOLOGY EXERCISE PROGRAMMING Prescribing exercise for cancer patients follows the same core principles as with any individual, through a needs analysis and the FITT protocol (Frequency, Intensity, Type and Time) of exercise. Although it may seem initially counterintuitive, exercise programs for cancer patients should be managed using similar processes and procedures observable with elite athletes; that is, their exercise programs should be individualised (based on needs and physical assessments) and progressive using autoregulation (a method in which cancer patients progress based Figure 3. Common cancer therapy side-effects and the counteracting benefits of exercise. on daily and weekly variations in health, performance capability, recovery amount of physical activity or exercise It is important to note that these are capacity or scheduling commitments). patients with cancer should aspire guidelines and are somewhat dated. Autoregulation is an important concept, to achieve. The most notable were Over the past 9 years, considerable allowing patients to consultatively produced by Exercise and Sport Science research and clinical evidence has been self-determine their capabilities Australia (ESSA, 2009) and the American generated. It is now well-established that at each session collaboratively with College of Sports Medicine (ACSM, each patient will present with his/her the supervising AEP, thereby lowering 2010). These are currently in the process own unique circumstances, pertaining intensity or volume if the patient of being updated by an international to the type of cancer, stage of disease, is transiently fatigued or unwell, group of experts, including two prevalence of side-effects, known or raising intensity or volume if the representatives from Australia: Prof. comorbidities, and physical or patient is energetic and motivated. Daniel Galvão and Prof. Sandra Hayes. psychological limitations. Tailored Commensurate with other standard These guidelines suggest people with exercise medicine must be prescribed exercise principles, exercise programs cancer aim to achieve the following: specifically to ameliorate the health should be periodised (the systematic issues creating the greatest morbidity planning and phasic organisation of •2 (or more) structured resistance and potential mortality for the patient exercise volume and intensity, including exercise sessions (plus): as a priority. However, the overarching de-loading periods to promote patient message remains that for most patients, recovery), and include a variety of •75 minutes of vigorous aerobic doing “some exercise is better than no exercise types and modalities. Indeed, exercise (or) 150 minutes of exercise” and generally “more exercise exercise programs should involve moderate aerobic exercise. is better than less”. a multimodal approach with aerobic VOLUME 36 • ISSUE 2 2018 9 oidutskcots-g/segamiytteg