Exercise Improves Anxiety and Mood in Older Adults Undergoing Chemotherapy

A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society sought to attain more knowledge on the connection between exercise and improved anxiety and mood problems in older adults receiving chemotherapy, reports Medical Xpress . The researchers examined the Exercise for Cancer Patients (EXCAP) program, a home-based, low- to moderate-intensity aerobic/resistance regimen. Participants assigned to the program were given an exercise kit with a pedometer, three exercise bands, and an instruction manual. Participants increased the length and intensity of their workouts as the program proceeded, and were given individualized workout plans that encouraged them to perform 10 required exercises and four optional exercises each day. Subjects also were encouraged to up the intensity and number of repetitions of resistance band exercises gradually. The researchers determined the EXCAP program enhanced mood and social and emotional well-being and decreased anxiety for older adults with cancer who underwent chemotherapy. In addition, those who benefited the most from the program were older adults who received chemotherapy, and began with worse anxiety, mood, and social and emotional well-being.