Exercise Programs Found to Combat 'Chemo Brain' During Cancer Treatment

New study shows structured exercise can help maintain cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue for patients on 2-week chemotherapy cycles.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that an exercise program called EXCAP, which includes walking and resistance band exercises, can help cancer patients on 2-week chemotherapy cycles maintain cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue compared to those who did not follow the exercise program. The study enrolled 687 patients across 20 community oncology practices in the U.S. and showed that EXCAP participants were able to maintain their daily walking levels during treatment, while those not in the program reduced their walking by 53%.

Why it matters

Maintaining cognitive abilities during chemotherapy, often referred to as "chemo brain", is essential for patients to preserve their independence, continue working, care for their families, and sustain their overall quality of life. This study provides encouraging evidence that a simple, home-based exercise program can help mitigate the cognitive impacts of chemotherapy, offering a low-cost and accessible supportive care intervention for cancer patients.

The details

The EXCAP exercise program included individualized walking and resistance band exercises that patients were taught and asked to record in a daily diary. Patients receiving 2-week chemotherapy cycles who followed the EXCAP program reported significantly less overall cognitive decline, perceived cognitive impairment, and mental fatigue compared to those receiving usual care. However, the benefits were not as pronounced for patients on 3- to 4-week chemotherapy cycles.

  • The study enrolled patients between 2009 and 2014.
  • The results were published in the March 2026 issue of JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

The players

Karen M. Mustian

Co-lead author of the study and researcher at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center.

Po-Ju Lin

Co-lead author of the study and researcher at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center.

Lindsay L. Peterson

Medical oncologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis who treats patients at Siteman Cancer Center, and Chair of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) Panel for Survivorship.

EXCAP

An exercise program that includes individualized walking and resistance band exercises, designed for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

University of Rochester Cancer Center (URCC) NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Research Base

The research network that enrolled 687 patients from 20 community oncology practices across the United States for this study.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This means that a safe, simple exercise program could be an important part of supportive care for people going through chemotherapy.”

— Karen M. Mustian, Co-lead author

“Non-pharmacologic interventions, such as exercise, cognitive training, and mindfulness, are important for managing cognitive impairment during chemotherapy because they are safe, accessible, and can often be delivered at low cost or even at home, making them easier for patients to use, compared with expensive or clinic-based treatments.”

— Po-Ju Lin, Co-lead author

“Many patients who need chemotherapy worry that they'll experience 'chemo brain'. This study offers encouraging news: there may be something patients can do to reduce their risk of cognitive impairment during chemotherapy—exercise!”

— Lindsay L. Peterson, Medical Oncologist

What’s next

Future studies may further explore the benefits of the EXCAP exercise program for patients receiving chemotherapy on different treatment schedules.

The takeaway

This study demonstrates that a simple, home-based exercise program can help cancer patients maintain cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue during chemotherapy, particularly for those on 2-week treatment cycles. Incorporating structured exercise into routine cancer care could be an important supportive care intervention to help patients preserve their independence, continue working, and sustain their quality of life throughout treatment.