Manipulative and Body Based Practices — Exercise and Movement Therapy

Exercise includes various activities that get one moving. Exercise not only helps maintain health but also aids in preventing the onset of conditions. Medical exercise is a therapeutic intervention that integrates medicine and fitness to restore health, and is most often offered by an exercise physiologist or specialist. Yoga, karate, pilates, tai chi and dance are all forms of movement therapies.

 

Potential Application for Children with Cancer

Exercise has many benefits for children undergoing and who have completed cancer therapy. Although children with cancer's physical activity level may be limited due to fatigue, pain, and reduced endurance, exercise improves many symptoms including mood, physical function, and pain. Exercise also helps manage weight, strengthen heart and lungs, and promotes a good night's sleep. Through group classes, children with cancer are able to socialize with others in a positive way, combating fear of isolation and periods of depression. Exercise is also important in the prevention of many late effects of cancer therapy.

Movement therapies do not need to be rigorous in nature to provide a clinical benefit to the patient. Movement therapies are ideal for children who have extended hospital stays, or have encountered significant fatigue, muscle lethargy, anxiety or depression. The type of movement therapy chosen for a child should consider the child's pre-existing physical state, interests, and complications from therapy. Modification of movement therapies can be designed for patients who are non-ambulatory. Movement therapies should be creative so as to capture and retain the child's interest. Repetition of movements or therapies should also be cycled in order to assist with compliance. Creating challenges, goals, or games for children will also help retain patient interest.

How is Exercise & Movement Therapy used in the hospital and outpatient clinic?

Our exercise service aims to increase flexibility and strength and maintain cardiovascular health through and beyond cancer treatment. Various exercise techniques are offered by the integrative therapies team, including yoga, pilates, karate, and dance. Our Exercise physiologist works with children and their families in the hospital and outpatient clinic, providing individual and group training sessions during and post cancer treatment.

Individual training sessions and group exercise classes are available Monday thru Friday 1pm-6pm.

Last updated: October 13, 2009