A new study suggests that exercise during chemotherapy may help cancer patients protect both their physical health and their mental sharpness.
Researchers found that patients who followed a structured exercise program during treatment were better able to maintain their daily activity levels and reported fewer thinking and memory problems than those who did not exercise.
The study was led by Karen Mustian and Po-Ju Lin of the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester. It was published in the March issue of the JNCCN–Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
The trial included nearly 700 patients at 20 community oncology clinics across the United States. All were receiving chemotherapy for the first time for different types of cancer.
Patients were split into two groups. One group received standard care without exercise. The other followed a six-week home-based exercise program during chemotherapy.
The program, known as EXCAP, included walking and resistance band exercises. Researchers said it was designed to be safe, practical, low-cost, and tailored to each patient’s physical ability.
Before treatment began, patients in both groups walked about 4,000 to 4,500 steps per day on average.
During chemotherapy, many people in the exercise group were able to maintain their usual step counts. Patients in the group without an exercise plan reduced their daily steps by 53 percent.
Patients who exercised also said they felt mentally sharper during treatment.
Researchers said the findings matter because many cancer patients experience “chemo brain,” a term used to describe brain fog and problems with memory, focus, and mental fatigue during treatment. Some patients report difficulty handling daily tasks such as managing medications, finances, or household responsibilities.
Mustian said the exercise plan offers a simple and safe option for supportive cancer care.
“This is a safe and simple exercise prescription that can be an important part of supportive care for anyone going through chemotherapy,” she said.
Lin said the results showed how important a structured plan can be.
“It was striking to find that without a structured exercise prescription, patients receiving chemotherapy reduce their daily walking by half and experience notable increases in problems with thinking, memory, and mental fatigue,” Lin said.
The study found that the benefits were strongest among patients who received chemotherapy every two weeks. Researchers said they do not yet know why. One possible reason is that patients on different treatment schedules may experience different side effects, making it easier or harder to stay active.
Even so, researchers said exercise and other non-drug approaches can play an important role in helping patients manage treatment-related brain fog.
They said exercise, cognitive training, and mindfulness may be useful because they are safe, easy to use, and can often be done at home.
The researchers said cancer care providers should talk to patients about home-based exercise options and refer them to specialists when needed.