Tai Chi Chuan for breast cancer survivors

The development of a Tai Chi exercise regimen for the prevention of conditions requiring long-term care in Japan

This study was to examine an effect of such an exercise program on preventing conditions requiring long-term care in the Japanese frail elderly who participated in a Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise program. The first-intervention group underwent an intervention program by participating in a Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise session once a week for 3 months. Each session lasted 90 min including a break time. Moreover, the subjects received a video recording of the exercise, and instructions to carry out the exercise at home. The same program was administered to the second-intervention group. Physical function improved significantly in the first-intervention group, with single-leg balance (SLB) increasing, and trunk anteflexion increasing after the intervention program. Furthermore, the total score of the Motor Fitness Scale (MFS) improved significantly. On the other hand, mono- and multi-variate analyses showed no significant differences observed in the second-intervention group during the study period. A careful interpretation of the results suggests that Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise improves physical function and ability for frail elderly individuals and could reduce the need for long-term care.

Exercise for the management of side effects and quality of life among cancer survivors

Physical activity may play an important role in the rehabilitation of cancer survivors during and after treatment. Current research suggests that numerous beneficial outcomes are experienced in cancer survivors undergoing exercise interventions during or after cancer treatment. Exercise not only plays a role in managing side effects but also improves functional capacity and quality of life. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the oncology literature supporting the use of exercise as an effective intervention for improving cancer-related fatigue, other side effects, functional capacity, and quality of life among cancer survivors.

Aging and cancer: converging routes to disease prevention

An integrative approach to the combined challenges of aging, cancer and stress is a necessary part of a global vision of wellness. Recent research into the mechanisms of aging, cancer and stress has established the biological links between these processes. Understanding these links is an important stepping-stone for developing approaches and therapies that ensure wellness throughout all stages of aging. This paper will consider the most recent developments in research into the molecular mechanisms common to aging and cancer and will discuss the effectiveness of natural approaches for preventing disease. Metabolic regulators as well as nutrient and energy sensors are involved in the processes of aging and cancer, and these are open to external manipulation and control. It is now becoming possible to demonstrate how nutrition, physical activity and stress control can lead to disease-free aging.