Is Exercise Safe When You Are Living With A Brain Tumour?

Is Exercise Safe When You Are Living With A Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour diagnosis is a life-changing experience, and many people find that the symptoms and treatment process disrupts their daily routine. There may be some activities that you previously enjoyed but now find more challenging, or are unsure if you should continue with them at all.

One common question for people living with a brain tumour is “can I still exercise safely?” Research shows that in general, exercise is safe and beneficial for brain tumour patients. However, symptoms  such as dizziness and fatigue, or the side effects of brain tumour treatment may make exercise more difficult for some people.

Therefore it’s important to adjust your exercise and manage risk, so that it will be a beneficial component of your overall self-care routine. Here are some important points to bear in mind.

The importance of staying active with a brain tumour diagnosis

Engaging in regular physical activity will maintain strength, suppleness and cardiovascular fitness, which in turn will help to reduce the risk of developing other health problems or having falls and injuries. Exercise also has mental health benefits, promoting a more positive state of mind, improving sleep quality, and managing fatigue or anxiety.

Considerations for brain tumour patients

It’s important to consider how your symptoms and overall state of health might impact your ability to exercise. The treatment you are undergoing may also have side effects that could affect the way your brain and body functions, so it’s recommended to discuss your exercise routine with your medical team to ensure that it is suitable and safe.

Balance and coordination issues: Some types of brain tumour can affect balance and coordination, particularly frontal lobe tumours that press on the areas of the brain that control movement. This might mean certain activities such as dancing or running are more difficult and will have a higher chance of falls and injuries.

Activities that support the body such as swimming, aqua aerobics, gentle yoga or using some types of gym equipment may be good options.

Muscle weakness: Frontal lobe tumours, or those located in the brain stem, can cause muscle weakness or numbness, often on one side of the body. In this case, it’s a good idea to speak to your healthcare team, who may refer you to a physiotherapist. They can guide you on the most suitable rehabilitation exercises for your condition.

Fatigue: One of the most common issues faced by people with brain tumours is fatigue. This may be caused by the tumour itself, or by treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Persistent fatigue can take away your motivation to exercise, or mean that you have an inconsistent and less effective approach.

However, exercise will ultimately improve your energy levels and help to combat fatigue. Avoid overwhelming yourself, but set small manageable goals. Plan your exercise for the time of day when you feel most energetic, such as in the morning. If you are too tired for physical activity, engage your brain with a stimulating activity, such as a crossword puzzle.

Build up gradually to increased activity levels and remember that rest is also important, so don’t feel guilty when you are having a quieter day. Count small wins, such as doing the washing up or emptying the dishwasher when you didn’t feel like it.

If you are having radiotherapy or chemotherapy

Your medical team might advise against swimming if you are undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This is because radiotherapy may make your skin more sensitive to the chlorine in the water. Chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, so you may be more vulnerable to germs in swimming pools.

For post-surgery recovery, gentle low-impact exercises are recommended, with walking one of the best options. Light stretching can also help encourage movement back into the body.

After Gamma Knife surgery, it is likely that you’ll be advised to avoid strenuous physical exercise, so make sure you talk through your options with your cancer care team.

Light intensity exercise is advised, such as relaxed cycling, slow walking, light housework, Tai Chi and bowling.

If you are feeling reasonably well

If you are not significantly impacted by any of these symptoms and are managing your treatment well, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t return to exercise that you previously enjoyed, unless your healthcare team advises against it.

Note, however, that exercise capacity will vary from patient to patient and it’s important to listen to your body and pay attention to the cues it gives you so you don’t overexert yourself or push yourself before you’re ready.

If you have any doubts or questions, it’s always best to seek medical advice, because every patient is unique and there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. This is particularly important if you have never taken regular exercise before, but are interested in starting to help manage symptoms or aid the recovery process.

Your team may recommend starting out with simple low-impact activities such as walking, gardening, or housework. Even very moderate levels of exercise can enhance your sense of wellbeing, reduce pain, manage mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, improve your appetite and help you to sleep better.

Centres of Excellence for Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatment of complex Brain Tumours