To address a question asked at the SPOHNC meeting last week on peripheral neuropathy, a common side effect of chemotherapy. This, generally, is not a reason to avoid exercise. Caution is always advised on balance issues with neuropathy, so perhaps stationary biking is a better choice than the treadmill (during a painful or severe episode), but for those that can tolerate it - exercise is best.
As one who has suffered from chronic peripheral neuropathy, I found strengthening the leg, hip and ankle muscles, as well as the core muscles helped prevent the risk of falling and prevented injury.
One area that you should be very concious of - is picking up your foot while walking. Be mindful not to drag the foot, use your muscles to lift the foot off the floor and then plant it into a step.
If you invest in a heart rate monitor, you will see that just by doing this small mindful action - your heart rate increases and you will burn more calories. Another instant boost to increase your heart rate, pull in your abdominal muscles - that in itself burns more calories. Two very simple ways to strengthen muscles and burn additional calories. Pay attention to all of your activities, use good posture and get the most out of everything you do.
No comments:
Post a Comment