Cancer related fatigue is physical, mental, or emotional fatigue that results from cancer or its treatments.
Lora Packel MS, PT, CCS, an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy partnered with Fox Chase Cancer Center to develop and run a cancer related fatigue exercise program in conjunction with Jeannie Kozempel, MS, PT, DPT.
Exercise is one of the only non-pharmacological modalities known to improve cancer-related fatigue. The fatigue can last long after treatments have ended and often reduce the quality of life of cancer survivors.
In the course of the 12 weeks, participants learned about the components of exercise, sleep hygiene, mindfulness practices, and nutrition all aimed at ameliorating fatigue. Participants perform both aerobic and strength training exercises on the Fox Chase Campus and at home, with phone call follow ups for questions and progression of the program.
A new session will begin later this year.