Exercise May Help Combat “Chemo Brain,” Study Finds

Up to 75% of cancer patients experience cognitive difficulties during and after treatment, often referred to as “chemo brain.” New research suggests that a tailored exercise program can help maintain mental sharpness and reduce these cognitive challenges for individuals undergoing chemotherapy.

What is “Chemo Brain”?

“Chemo brain” describes a range of cognitive symptoms, including brain fog, trouble with memory, difficulty managing finances or medications, and challenges with household tasks. Although there isn’t a single, definitive treatment, studies indicate that consistent exercise may reduce these symptoms and improve executive functioning .

The EXCAP Exercise Prescription

Researchers at the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester developed an exercise prescription called EXCAP (Exercise and Cancer Active Prescription). This program, created in collaboration with American College of Sports Medicine exercise professionals, is designed to be safe, practical, low-cost, home-based, and personalized to each patient’s physical abilities. It incorporates progressive aerobic walking and resistance band exercises .

Study Findings

A phase 3 clinical trial involving nearly 700 patients receiving chemotherapy for the first time across 20 community oncology clinics in the US, revealed significant benefits. Participants were randomized into two groups: standard care without exercise, or the six-week EXCAP exercise prescription during chemotherapy. All participants tracked their daily steps and exercises.

Prior to chemotherapy, patients averaged 4,000 to 4,500 steps per day. Those in the exercise group were able to maintain their usual step count during treatment, while those receiving standard care reduced their daily steps by 53%.

Patients who exercised also reported feeling mentally sharper. Researchers found that a structured exercise prescription was essential for positive outcomes. Without it, patients significantly reduced their daily walking and experienced increased problems with thinking, memory, and mental fatigue .

Chemotherapy Schedule Matters

The benefits of exercise were most pronounced in patients receiving chemotherapy every two weeks. The reasons for this difference are still under investigation, but researchers speculate that the chemotherapy regimens used in two-week cycles may have different toxicities and less severe side effects, allowing patients to remain more active. Patients on three- or four-week cycles may have experienced more significant toxicity and side effects, making it harder to maintain activity levels.

Beyond Exercise: A Holistic Approach

Researchers emphasize that exercise is just one component of managing “chemo brain.” Non-pharmacological interventions like cognitive training and mindfulness are also essential, as they are safe, accessible, and often cost-effective .

“Cancer care providers should educate their patients about home-based options such as walking and resistance band exercises as part of optimal care,” says Karen Mustian, dean’s professor of Surgery, Cancer Control, and associate director of Population Science at Wilmot.

Source: University of Rochester