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Anaemia and exertion: moving wisely

Movement can ease tiredness and preserve strength, but with anaemia the heart and lungs work harder. Activity should be chosen with your team's approval, built up gradually and checked with the talk test.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A flat park path with benches under trees
Figure 1.A short flat path and a bench to rest on

01Short answer

Agree the type and amount of activity with your team. A slow walk on a short, flat route and gentle stretching are the usual starting point. The talk test: you should be able to talk comfortably while moving. Avoid stairs, lifting, heat and severe cold; use a small trolley instead of heavy bags. Plan a bench to rest on and take water. When hemoglobin is very low, or before a transfusion, activity is reduced. For chest pain, severe breathlessness, dizziness or a pounding heart, stop at once, sit down and tell your team.

02Simple explanation

Choose with your team.

The talk test.

Short and flat.

Chest pain: stop.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: light, regular activity can help with fatigue; with anaemia, activity should be agreed with your doctor.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Oxygen debt

With anaemia, the heart answers effort by beating faster.

Benefit

Gentle movement protects muscles and mood.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Oxygen debtWith anaemia, the heart answers effort by beating faster.
BenefitGentle movement protects muscles and mood.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Talk test
Being able to talk comfortably while moving shows the effort is moderate.
Tachycardia
A fast heartbeat.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Agree it.
  • Start slowly.
  • Stop if needed.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I do more?

Only when your counts and how you feel improve, and your team agrees.

I was very tired after a walk.

Make it shorter next time and tell your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I do more?

  2. I was very tired after a walk.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Fatigue and Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. MedlinePlus. Blood transfusions
  7. MedlinePlus. Hemolytic transfusion reaction
  8. NHS. Loneliness
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Stem Cell Transplants in Cancer Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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