Post-treatment program for oncology patients
Exercise has a number of positive effects on individuals that have or have had cancer. Exercise strengthens the heart and circulatory system. Exercise increases fitness and reduces the risk of cardiac problems.
Post-treatment program for oncology patients:
- Reduce general weakness or fatigue post oncology treatment.
- Increase general fitness
- Restore decreased appetite, weight changes and normalize body mass index
- Restore impaired functions after surgical, chemotherapeutic or radiotherapeutic treatment
Reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, heart rhythm problems and other life-threatening complications. - Reduce anxiety
- Improve quality of life
Oncology rehabilitation program consists of 3 stages.
- establishment of your clinical profile, diagnose and testing of physical and emotional response to exercise;
- implementation of a 7-day physical exercise program at Paliesius mansion;
- post-program monitoring.
Step 1 - establishment of your clinical profile and testing response to exercise
1.1 establishment of your clinical profile and testing response to exercise
Treatment starts with a doctor consultation and an establishment of your risk classification to ensure that treatment with physical activity can be implemented safely.
Treatment of Diabetes has a basis in the insulin sensitivity and weight loss in the case of overweight, but a thorough clinical profile is important for a sustainable result and treatment of any comorbidities.
1.2 Health and functional testing
During the doctor’s and cardiologist examination, standard clinical tests are performed to evaluate blood pressure, blood testing, skin, lungs, throat and heart, as well as diagnose specific tests.
Laboratory blood tests are made for screening and evaluation of the major systems: cardiac, circulatory, digestion, kidney function and muscles. Testing also includes parameters for minerals, thyroid hormones, blood fats and glucose.
1.3 Functional and body composition assessment
This assessment is made by using the following measures: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), Body Composition Analysis (BCA), assessment of muscle and skeletal system.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) evaluates cardiopulmonary systems and function, as well as response to exercise.
Body Composition Analysis (BCA) is a method of measuring body’s fat, protein, minerals and water. Body composition and healthy weight management is a major factor in treatment of Diabetes.
Assessment of muscle and skeletal system done with a physiotherapist.
Step 2 – implementation of the physical exercise program
During a 7-day program at Paliesius mansion the treatment is initialized, your health and functional assessment is transformed into an initial recipe for physical exercise. With the information on the physical response to physical exercise the recipe can be highly individualized.
The recipe is always individual and based on FITT-VP principal: frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, progression.
Physical exercise recipe FITT-VP:
F – Frequency (Times per week)
I – Intensity (Effort zone measured in heart-rate)
T – Time (Duration per session)
T – Type (Type of physical exercise)
V – Volume (MET- Metabolic equivalent turnover)
P – Progress (How the program advances)
2.1 Execution and modification of the physical exercise recipe
Physical exercise recipe is carried out under guidance of a trainer and a physiotherapist, while you are monitored under a supervision of a doctor for clinical safety and adaptation of the recipe.
2.2 Testing and methods used for monitoring and evaluation
Glucose is an important measure in evaluation of insulin sensitivity and stabilization of glucose levels and are always done regularly. Glucose levels are used for direct modification of exercise recipe and diet. Usually a reduction in medication is necessary as the insulin sensitivity is increased during treatment.
ECG is measured constantly for clinical safety and signs of heart issues and overuse symptoms.
BCA is made daily for feedback on exercise and diet for immediate adaptation of recipe and diet.
Tests for continuous monitoring and modification of physical exercise recipe.
• ECG
• Blood pressure
• Glucose
• Lactate
• Heartrate
• BCA
• Subjective reactions
2.3 Diet
During the program, you are provided with a healthy and balanced diet and knowledge to make good food choices. your diet is carefully balanced with the physical activity according to MET (metabolic equivalent turnover).
Step 3 - post-program monitoring and recommendations
After the program you receive recommendations with a plan for further actions. The plan includes a physical exercise recipe, diet recommendations and expected outcome.
Continuous communication is provided to support and monitor progress of physical exercise recipe.
