Exercise Prescription

Question 1

What things must be monitored/considered when a person with lymphedema is exercising?

Answer 1

If they have a:
Must wear sleeve.
Hot/heavy limb.
Redness or skin irritation.
Pain or discomfort
Swelling and restricted ROM in the affected limb.
No static contractions
No prolonged activity on the affected limb.
Temperature of room or water cannot be too hot.

Question 2

What things must be monitored/considered when a person with a stoma is exercising?

Answer 2

No exercises that increase intraabdominal pressure
No super heavy lifting
Avoid valsalva manoeuvre
Must empty bag before exercising,
Ensure person maintains optimal hydration and salt balance before and after exercise.
Stoma protector during contact sports.

Question 3

What must be monitored/considered when a person exercise is having or has had radiotherapy?

Answer 3

Fatigue can build up over time. Exercise should not elicit too much tiredness and patient should listen to their body and exercise accordingly.

Patient may experience sunburn like skin reaction. Avoid exercises that could cause chaffing around target area. Wear loose clothing. No bikes.

Can cause specific side effects depending on targeted area:

1) nausia if head/neck/digestive system is treated= ensure patient is appropriately nourished.
2) Difficulty swallowing and other mouth issues is head/neck. Ensure adequate hydration and nourishment.
3) Hair loss= may affect body image.
4) urinary leakage/diarrhoea/painful bowel movements/rectal bleeding if prostate. PF exercises compulsory and monitor hydration and nutrition.
5) lymphedema
6) restricted ROM
7) collateral damage to other organs.