Following positive research results, all cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Copenhagen are now able to take a programme that improves muscular strength, physical function and aerobic capacity – and reduces fatigue.<\/p>\n
This is according to clinical health professor Lis Adamsen of the Department of Public Health at University of Copenhagen who talked to the University Post.<\/p>\n
Lots of research has gone into this area in the past, but Adamsen and her colleague\u2019s program is the first of its kind to take on people with many types of cancer. Where previous exercise programs have focussed entirely on women with breast cancer, they took on patients with twenty-four different diagnoses.<\/p>\n
\u00bbWe are the first to make significant progress in terms of fatigue ever,\u00ab Lis Adamsen says, \u00bbthere are no previous projects in this field that have found that you could alter fatigue.\u00ab<\/p>\n
The programme is the first to take on cancer patients with serious prognoses. The positive results have therefore been somewhat surprising. <\/p>\n
\u00bbAll previous research has only taken on patients with positive prognoses – half of our patients had widespread cancer in their bodies,\u00ab says Adamsen.<\/p>\n
\u00bbTo put it in popular terms, we had the worst cases, but with the most positive results.\u00ab<\/p>\n
The results have been so positive that it will continue with the same funding as it did when it was just a project. Now it will be permanent, allowing cancer patients in the Copenhagen area to take part in the programme. <\/p>\n
\u00bbIt is always wonderful when something good comes out of research,\u00ab says Adamsen. <\/p>\n
It has been an exciting time for her and her team \u2013 their results have been published in the British Medical Journal and have generated international interest, she adds.<\/p>\n