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After treatment and remission

Muscles and stamina

Stamina is the ability to keep moving for a long time without tiring. This topic explains how to rebuild the stamina of your heart, lungs and muscles gradually after treatment.

Last updated: ~2 min read
A clear heart and lungs glowing in calm rhythm.
Figure 1.Stamina depends on the heart and lungs.

01Short answer

Stamina depends on the heart, lungs and muscles working together over time. After leukaemia treatment it falls because of inactivity, anaemia and sometimes medicines that affect the heart. The main way to rebuild it is aerobic activity: walking, cycling, swimming (once immunity has recovered). Under the ACSM 2019 guidelines, 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity three times a week improves fatigue and quality of life, but you can start with much less — 5–10 minutes a day. The “talk test” helps you choose the pace: if you can talk while moving, the pace is right. Results are better when combined with strength exercises.

02Simple explanation

Stamina is the heart, lungs and muscles working together.

The main tool is aerobic activity.

You can start with 5–10 minutes a day.

The talk test sets the pace.

Combine it with strength exercises.

03Scientific explanation

Dose: under ACSM 2019, at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity 3 times a week reduces fatigue and anxiety and improves physical function.

Adaptation: with regular exercise, muscles gain mitochondria and capillaries, and the heart pumps more blood with each beat.

Anaemia: low haemoglobin reduces oxygen delivery; exercise intensity is adjusted to it.

Heart: the COG advises people who received anthracyclines to have heart function assessed before intense exercise.

04What happens in the body?

What is stamina?

It is the ability to do things like walking, housework or shopping for a long time without tiring. It depends on the heart, lungs and muscles working together.

How do muscles adapt?

With regular movement, muscle fibres learn to use oxygen better. This happens over weeks.

Gold fibres of light gently contracting and relaxing.
Figure 2.Muscle fibres adapt to exercise.

How to start

Start with 5–10 minutes of easy walking a day. Add a few minutes each week. If you get tired, sit down and rest.

A long path with glowing benches along it.
Figure 3.With rests, walking distance grows.

How to choose the pace

The talk test: if you can speak in sentences while moving but would find it hard to sing, the pace is moderate.

Pools and gyms

Pools and gyms carry an infection risk; ask your doctor before going until your immunity has recovered and any central line is removed.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Stamina step by step

Rebuilding stamina.

Start — A few minutes of walking a day.1StartA few minutes of walking a day.
Pace — A pace at which you can talk.2PaceA pace at which you can talk.
Build up — A little more each week.3Build upA little more each week.
Stamina — Heart and muscles adapt.4StaminaHeart and muscles adapt.
HeartWorks more efficiently.
MusclesUse oxygen better.
LifeLonger walks become possible.

06Example walking plan (simplified)

WeekPer dayNote
1–25–10 minutesEasy pace
3–410–15 minutesTalk test
5–615–20 minutesRest if needed
7–820–30 minutes3–5 times a week
After30 minutes or moreWith strength exercises

* This is an example; adapt the plan with your doctor or physiotherapist.

07Key terms

Stamina
The ability to move for a long time without tiring.
Aerobic activity
Rhythmic movement that uses oxygen.
Talk test
Checking pace by your ability to talk.
Mitochondrion
The cell’s energy “power station”.
Capillary
The smallest blood vessel.
Moderate intensity
Slightly out of breath, but able to talk.

08Key points

  • Stamina returns gradually.
  • Walking is the simplest start.
  • Start small, keep it regular.
  • Use the talk test.
  • Combine with strength exercises.
  • Stop if warning signs appear.

09Frequently asked questions

How soon will I see results?

Many people feel a difference in 4–8 weeks.

Should I walk on tired days?

A short, slow walk often helps; rest on a very bad day.

Can I cycle?

An exercise bike is a good choice; with low platelets consider the risk of falls.

When can I go swimming?

With your doctor’s permission, usually after immunity has recovered and the line is removed.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

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. How soon will I see results?

  2. Should I walk on tired days?

  3. Can I cycle?

  4. When can I go swimming?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2019. Campbell KL et al. Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable
  2. American Cancer Society. Physical Activity and the Person with Cancer
  3. World Health Organization (WHO). Physical activity — fact sheet
  4. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Exercise and Physical Fitness
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Fatigue and Cancer Treatment
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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