Good exercises for lung cancer patients

Breathing exercises, yoga, and tai chi improve the quality of life of lung cancer patients, reduce complications and side effects after treatment, and increase the chance of survival.

These benefits are due to exercise increasing oxygenation of the lungs, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Moderate-intensity aerobic and strength training also reduce anxiety and improve physical fitness. Exercise can improve muscle strength and shortness of breath in patients with advanced disease undergoing chemotherapy.

Physical activity also helps increase lung capacity. People with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who have better lung capacity have a lower risk of death. People with cancer that has spread to the bones or who are receiving palliative care also find that exercise reduces symptoms.

Patients should exercise slowly and gradually increase the intensity in stages. For example, spend 5-10 minutes walking or swimming several times a day, gradually increasing the level with the guidance of a doctor. Exercises vary depending on the severity of each person's cancer. Consult a doctor to determine the appropriate exercise for the disease and overall health. Patients should limit exercise in large, crowded rooms if the immune system is weak, because it increases the risk of infection.

There are four basic types of exercises for lung cancer patients: breathing, stretching, aerobics, and strength training. Here are some exercises you can try.

Breathing exercises help strengthen the diaphragm (located between the abdomen and the chest), making it easier to breathe. How to do it: Sit cross-legged or stand with one hand on your stomach. Inhale through your nose and push your stomach out, lowering your diaphragm, so that your lungs are filled with air. Exhale slowly while pursing your lips to push all the air out. Do 10-20 reps per exercise, 2-3 times a day.

Breathing exercises are good for the lungs. Photo: Freepik

Simple stretching exercises are suitable for cancer patients at many stages, helping blood and oxygen to reach the muscles more regularly, increasing the amount of air the lungs can hold. Stretching exercises also reduce muscle tension caused by radiation therapy and scar tissue after surgery.

With chest stretching exercises, the practitioner sits or stands up straight. Slowly bring the arms behind the back, interlacing the fingers together. Straighten the arms and stretch forward. When the chest feels at its most stretched state, stop, hold for 10-30 seconds and return to the starting position. The practitioner needs to combine with deep, steady breathing and relaxation.

Aerobic exercise reduces fatigue, strengthens the heart and lungs, and improves sleep quality. Patients can walk around the house or do light aerobic exercise to improve low energy levels due to symptoms or treatment.

Strength training such as hand weight lifting, weight lifting, elastic resistance band pulling... helps fight fatigue, build back muscles, strengthen bones and maintain balance. These activities aim to increase muscle mass and strength, making daily tasks easier. People with stage one, two or three lung cancer who have undergone treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation) can do these exercises three days a week.

Yoga and Tai Chi combine breathing exercises, stretching, etc. Practicing these two subjects every day reduces fatigue and makes the lungs and heart work better. Practicing yoga for about an hour can increase endurance, physical strength, and improve mental health in patients with severe lung cancer who have undergone chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Mai Cat (According to WebMD )

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