Lung cancer continues to affects more individuals each passing year. According to a new study led by Curtin University, people with incurable forms of lung cancer may survive longer if they engage in even less than five minutes of physical activity each day. The study highlights the improtance of integrating exercise into treatment plans.
In this study, the team from Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin enable Institute and other research institutions monitor the daily acitivities of 89 patients with incurable lung cancer. The team compared the mortality rates after a year with those who are engaged in physical activity and those who were largely inactive. The ones who complete over 4.6 minutes per day of physical activity had 60% lower risk of mortality in comparison to those who were inactive.
“We also need to evaluate what can be done to encourage people with inoperable lung cancer to exercise more, as 24 per cent of the study’s participants engaged in less than one minute per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity,” Cavalheri said. “If this association is confirmed, randomised controlled trials in people with inoperable lung cancer are warranted, with interventions designed to improve levels of physical activity”, he added.
Associate Professor Cavalheri focused on the need for customizing physical activity according to each individual rather than focusing on a set of guidelines. Although bedrest is often considered as the best option when one is sick but studies like this are the evidence how being active is beneficial even when fighting with serious diseases like lung cancer. Also, Cavalheri calls for further research via randomized controlled trials specially designed for individuals with inoperable lung cancer.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare provider about any medical needs.
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