Cologne, Germany - Exercise and weight training after a
serious illness such as a heart attack or cancer is often recommended
as part of recovery therapy even when the patient is old or not
athletic.
Though it can't entirely replace medicine, it can result in the
need for smaller dosages.
'All people who have had a tumour profit from physical activity,'
said Freerk Baumann of a research institute in Germany's sports
college in Cologne dedicated to circulation and sports medicine.
Activity can reduce fears and restore confidence in one's physical
condition, he added.
In addition to the effects on the body, physical activity appears
to have an impact on the development of a tumour. There is, however,
no evidence that activity influences an existing tumour. There is
evidence in patients who have had breast, colon and prostate cancer
that the chances of a tumour reappearing are reduced by exercise,
said Baumann.
There are theories that activity reduces particular hormones such
as oestrogen and insulin. It is believed that these hormones have an
influence on the growth of particular tumours. They are like
nutrition for tumours, said Baumann.
In patients who have had heart and circulation disease, research
indicates the positive effect of physical activity. In a study
conducted at the University of Leipzig, a team led by Professor
Rainer Hambrecht showed that people with a minor type of
cardiovascular illness who used physical activity in their recovery
did just as well as people who relied on common treatments such as
stents or angioplasty.
According to Hambrecht, physical activity can increase the level
of HDL cholesterol - known as the 'good' cholesterol because it has a
protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Blood pressure is
also positively influenced by physical activity. Researchers say
intensive sport leads to an improvement in the vascular function.
'The flexibility of the vascular system in general is better,'
said Hambrecht.
Claudia Walther, a top cardiologist at the heart centre in
Leipzig, added that people who suffer angina also can reduce their
symptoms by exercising, and it's long been known that physical
activity reduces the chance of a heart attack. But occasionally
taking a walk is not enough physical activity to achieve these all
these positive effects.
'You must raise the pulse for 30 minutes,' said Walther, adding
that this should occur on a minimum of five days per week. Before
starting, a stress EKG is recommended to determine the target pulse.
Endurance sports such as cycling and jogging are especially good
for the heart, said Hambrecht. Walking is also recommended if it
raises the pulse for a sustained period. Doctors caution patients
about swimming because it is easier to overdo it.
In cancer patients the physical activity selected must be tailored
to the type of cancer, said Baumann. Physical activity in water is
especially good for breast cancer patients, for example, but it's not
the best option for people who've had leukaemia or for men who have
just had their prostate removed.
USA
Your Talkback on this Story