Stomach cancer patients often ask, “Can I exercise after surgery? In fact, gastric cancer patients can gradually resume daily exercise after surgery, so are there some specific requirements for exercise, such as how to grasp the intensity of exercise? How to start exercising after surgery?
How can I control the intensity of exercise for patients with gastric cancer?
How do I start exercising after surgery?
Progressive according to the body
After going through surgery, the patient’s physical ability will be reduced. Therefore, post-operative exercise and movement for gastric cancer patients is a long-term project, which should be done gradually and not in a hurry. The patient can start with simple and casual activities, the intensity of which is appropriate to not feel fatigue and comfortable after exercise, so as not only to fully move all parts of the body, but also not to overwork the organism.
Control the amount of exercise based on heart rate
The amount of exercise for gastric cancer patients can be reasonably controlled with reference to their own heart rate, which is usually 85-110 beats per minute after exercise, and the amount of exercise can be increased or decreased accordingly, or measured based on their own basal heart rate. The most important thing is to make sure that you have a good idea of what you are doing.
Measuring exercise based on breathing
Patients with gastric cancer can observe their physical condition through their breathing when exercising. If they can talk to someone while exercising, and although they are struggling and breathing faster, as long as they are not significantly out of breath, the exercise level is generally appropriate.
How do I start exercising after gastric cancer surgery?
The exercise needs of patients with gastric cancer vary in different stages after surgery and can be broadly divided into the following three stages, but it is important to note that in the acute or mid- to late-stage of the disease, patients need to follow the guidance of their doctors.
Postoperative recovery period
The postoperative recovery period for gastric cancer is usually 2 weeks. Early postoperative bedtime activities can promote recovery of multiple systems, including respiratory and musculoskeletal systems, as well as gastrointestinal function, and prevent lung infections, decubitus ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis.
On the day after surgery, patients can perform deep breathing, limb flexion activities in the hospital bed, and can turn over with the assistance of family members. Care should be taken to protect the various tubes, such as gastric and drainage tubes, from twisting and falling out when moving.
After 1 to 7 days of postoperative stabilization, the patient can sit at the bedside with the assistance of family members, and gradually stand on the bed if there is no discomfort, and walk slowly indoors if the condition is good.
Comprehensive treatment period
About 1 month after surgery, the patient has largely recovered. If there is no specific discomfort, a combination of regular chemotherapy and biologic therapy will usually be administered as prescribed.
During the combination therapy, patients can take physical activity as appropriate for their physical condition. Patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy may only be able to exercise at a lower intensity or for a shorter period of time during treatment, but it should be to maintain as much activity as possible. Patients can perform some low-intensity activities, such as stretching and slow walking, and gradually increase the intensity.
It is important to note that patients who are older, have bone metastases or osteoporosis, have severe damage to the motor system (e.g., arthritis) or peripheral neuropathy should exercise with balance and safety to prevent falls and injuries.
Stable disease period
In the post-recovery period of stable disease (no significant disease progression or complications), being active and ensuring a healthy diet is important to promote overall health, improve quality of life, and prolong life. Studies have shown that active cancer patients have a lower risk of cancer recurrence and a higher survival rate than less active patients.
Patients in stable disease can usually exercise to their liking and just don’t overexert themselves.
What to look for in exercise for postoperative patients with distant gastric cancer
Patients with advanced gastric cancer can usually exercise according to their preferences.
Patients with gastric cancer have entered the distant postoperative stage of gastric cancer after systematic treatment, mainly surgical treatment, where the trauma caused by surgery (e.g. incision, gastrointestinal anastomosis, etc.) has healed and does not affect daily activities. The distant postoperative stage does not mean that the disease is stable, because there is still a possibility of disease recurrence in the distant postoperative stage. To determine whether the disease is in a stable stage, it is important to review it regularly.
Patients with gastric cancer in the distant postoperative period can follow the following recommendations for exercise, with a focus on aerobic exercise. In general, doctors will tell patients not to “exercise vigorously” after surgery, where vigorous exercise means anaerobic exercise, and the “appropriate exercise” that doctors often refer to is aerobic exercise. The study showed that home aerobic exercise can improve the quality of life of patients after gastric cancer surgery.
What is aerobic exercise?
What is aerobic exercise? Aerobic exercise is physical activity in which the body is adequately supplied with oxygen, i.e., in which the body takes in as much oxygen as it needs to reach a physiological equilibrium. If the process of exercise is compared to “burning wood”, breathing will provide the oxygen needed to “burn wood”, then, aerobic exercise can be obtained in the state of “burning wood” required enough oxygen. Aerobic exercise is characterized by low intensity, rhythm, and a duration of 30 minutes is appropriate. The company’s main goal is to provide the best possible service to its customers.
Specifically, aerobic exercises suitable for patients with gastric cancer include walking, cycling, yoga, etc. Patients can choose according to their preferences and insist on 3 to 5 times a week.
In conclusion, patients with gastric cancer can find suitable exercises for both early and distant postoperative periods. Proper exercise can enhance physical fitness, improve immunity, relieve anxiety, regulate mood, and promote recovery. Stomach cancer patients are advised to adhere to exercise to improve their quality of life.