Exercise During Chemotherapy May Support Physical and Cognitive Health, Study Finds
A new nationwide study suggests that a structured exercise program during chemotherapy may help cancer patients stay physically active and mentally sharper. The research, led by scientists at the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute, was published in the JNCCN-Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Many patients undergoing Chemotherapy experience cognitive difficulties commonly known as Chemo Brain, which includes symptoms such as brain fog, memory problems, and trouble with daily tasks like managing medications or finances. Up to 75% of cancer patients report these cognitive issues during treatment.
To address this problem, researchers evaluated a home-based exercise program called EXCAP (Exercise for Cancer Patients). The program combines progressive walking with resistance-band exercises and is designed to be low-cost, safe, and tailored to each patient’s physical ability.
The phase 3 clinical trial involved nearly 700 patients from 20 community oncology clinics across the United States who were receiving chemotherapy for the first time for various cancers. Participants were randomly assigned either to standard care without exercise or to a six-week exercise program while undergoing treatment. All participants tracked their daily steps and exercise activity.
Before treatment, most participants averaged around 4,000 to 4,500 steps per day. During chemotherapy, patients who followed the exercise prescription were generally able to maintain their usual walking levels. In contrast, those receiving standard care reduced their daily steps by about 53%.
Patients in the exercise group also reported better cognitive functioning and felt mentally sharper. The benefits were particularly noticeable in individuals receiving chemotherapy every two weeks.
These findings suggest that simple home-based physical activity could become an important supportive care strategy during cancer treatment.
REFERENCE: Mustian, K. M., et al. (2026). Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Impairment in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Multicenter Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2025.7118
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