From neuromuscular electrical stimulation and biofeedback-assisted exercise up to triathlon competitions—regular physical activity for cancer patients in Austria

Abstract

Abstract Individual rehabilitation concepts for cancer patients include specific nutrition programs, psychotherapy and many modalities from the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. At the Medical University of Vienna, challenging and complex cases of cancer patients are presented and discussed with the goal to plan rehabilitation, within the worldwide first official tumour board for cancer rehabilitation. Regular physical activity is an active option which has been shown to be an important part in the treatment and rehabilitation of cancer patients. Exercise—individually prescribed—has been described to improve functional health of cancer patients with benefits for physical performance, mental health, quality of life, participation and—in some types of cancer—survival. However, not all cancer patients need the same form of regular physical activity. Nevertheless, most of cancer patients should start as soon as possible to be physically active, but under the supervision of specialized physicians and within their individual “right” setting.