Exercise and Programs for Brain Cancer

Research shows that regular, rigorous cardiovascular exercise can enhance the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is responsible for improving cognition and neurogenesis and has been widely studied across many diseases and neurological conditions, including cancer. Exercises that increase cardiovascular demands, such as interval training, boxing, or cardiovascular endurance exercise, are some of the best ways to increase BDNF. Stress management is also very important for disease management. We must understand your stress determinants to find the proper techniques to help you reduce your stress through exercise.

The best way to find what’s best for you is to meet with one of our Neuro Exercise Specialists for a comprehensive exercise assessment. This 90-minute discovery session helps us learn all we can about you, what you like to do, how you move and how we can make it better with exercise. The assessment includes gait training analysis, posture screening, multi-tasking, functional mobility and strength assessments, balance screenings and a thorough discussion about your daily life.

Following the assessment, one of our coaches will develop your personalized exercise routine. The routine will be built around your specific areas of need, your goals and the most recent peer-reviewed research.

All programs are tailored to your current ability level and goals. Especially with our clients with brain cancer, exercises are structured to progress at a rate suitable to your current physical abilities and treatment plans. We will progress slowly until we learn more about what your body, symptoms and treatments can handle.

We understand this can be a financial investment, but we believe strongly in the ability of our Neuro Exercise Specialists. We build programs that show our clients progress that genuinely helps them live stronger each day. These beliefs are supported by our numerous client testimonials and years of experience and expertise in the neuro-exercise field.

When programmed properly, exercise can help you manage your symptoms better each day and will not worsen your condition. Properly programmed exercise itself will not make your condition worse. If we see any regression in ability, we will coordinate with your neurologist and physical therapist to ensure proper measures are taken.

Everyone is different, which is why we require all clients to gain medical clearance from their physician before exercising. This helps us understand your current medical status and helps to determine how much you may be able to push yourself. Recent research indicates that vigorous exercise can help shift cognitive decline and is not contraindicated for brain cancer. It’s important to build a progressive program suitable to your current ability level and increase intensity and duration over time.

We always recommend that people remain active outside any class or guided one-on-one personal training session. Your guided exercise with a professional should focus on challenging exercises you cannot do on your own. Your independent exercise can consist of general mobility and cardiovascular exercise.

Exercise has been shown to help improve multiple aspects of health, including enhancing functional strength, balance and mobility after tumor resection, along with enhancing cognition. However, further research needs to be done to show direct efficacy in slowing the progression of brain cancer.

No, exercise cannot be a substitute for your medication. We strongly suggest working with your neurologist and other physicians on your team to optimize your medications. When you optimize your symptoms, this also helps you maximize the impact of your exercise routine.

Movement Revolution will help you understand your current condition and how exercise can help you maximize your daily abilities. Our team of Neuro Exercise Specialists and client communities are all here to rally around you and help you live stronger every day.