Our Cancer Physical Activity Practitioner, Georgina Hannaway, has created a 20 minute low to medium home workout designed for cancer patients.
The training consists of a series of full body strengthening and mobility exercises aimed at keeping cancer patients physically active, improving their quality of life and helping them feel better.
The video is part of a series of four workouts (new videos coming soon) which patients will complete progressively as their fitness levels increase.
Cancer & Benefits of Staying Active
For cancer patients maintaining a regular exercise routine is key to facilitate stress reduction and having higher energy levels before, during and after their treatment.
Research has shown that physically active patients have 40-60% less chances of developing cancer following treatment, with those following prehabilitation exercise plans also reducing their length of hospital stays.
There is also strong scientific evidence that being active can help people with cancer at a physical and psychological level by:
- Reducing anxiety
- Improving depression
- Reducing fatigue
- Improving quality of life during and after cancer treatment
- Preventing or improve certain types of cancer
- Improving general physical functioning
Holistic Support for Cancer Patients
Although initially designed for Wirral cancer patients, all cancer (and non-cancer) patients are welcomed to include these home workouts as part of their weekly routine.
The videos are part of a joint initiative with Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) aimed at increasing physical activity levels for cancer patients.
The need for a remote alternative for cancer patients to access the support they need has been exacerbated by the current national lock-down.
“It is so important to stay active in these times, especially if patients are going through treatment”, said Hannaway.
“Just 30 minutes of daily exercise can have a massive effect on the mental health and overall wellbeing of cancer patients.
“As new Covid-19 restrictions came into place it was important to ensure our cancer patients, most of whom have been in isolation for several months, had easy access to exercise routines that allow them to stay active at this critical time in their lives.
“We had created other cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation videos in the past, but we wanted to introduce new routines with a refreshed look following our patients feedback.
“The videos have been designed to be effective, enjoyable and we really hope patients enjoy these workouts”.
Support available for all Wirral patients
The Cancer Physical Activity & Wellbeing Programme is funded by Arrowe Park Hospital/WUTH and is available to all PCNs and practices which require specialised patient support, when referred on by WUTH.
For further information, please contact Lucy Holmes on lucy.holmes8@nhs.net.