The Long Term Effects of a 12-Session Community Exercise Program on Health Measures in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the long-term effects of a community cancer exercise program on quality of life, fatigue, weight, waist circumference, physical activity levels, lower extremity strength, body mass index (BMI), heart rate, and blood pressure, across non-metastatic and metastatic patients.

Methods

A total of 918 participants (F/M: 1.77; mean age = 61 years, SD = 13.233) diagnosed with cancer within the last five years completed a 12-session guided physical activity program. Sessions included functional, aerobic, and resistance training aligned with ACSM guidelines for cancer patients. Blood pressure, quality of life, fatigue, BMI, lower extremity strength, body weight, and physical activity levels were measured at baseline, 12 sessions, and at 6 months, and 12 months during follow-up. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess changes over time.

Results

Significant improvements were observed in physical activity levels, health-related quality of life, and overall quality of life, sustained at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Waist circumference, fatigue, and blood pressure significantly decreased across all time points. Lower extremity strength improved up to 6 months but was not significant at 12 months. No significant changes were observed in body weight or BMI. Non-metastatic patients experienced significant improvements in blood pressure, waist circumference, fatigue, and functional ability, while metastatic patients maintained their baseline health measures, suggesting a stabilizing effect.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that a community-based exercise program benefits non-metastatic cancer patients by improving quality of life, physical activity levels, and functional health, while helping metastatic patients maintain health outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of structured exercise programs in cancer care and support their implementation in real-world settings.