Physical Activity in Lower-Extremity Sarcoma Survivors: Specific Recommendations and Program Design

Survivors of lower-extremity sarcoma are at high risk of developing physical performance dysfunctions and impaired quality of life resulting from the sarcoma disease itself and the adverse side effects of the treatments. Therefore, the implementation of safe and effective exercise programs addressing survivors' functionality and life quality is an essential and complementary nonpharmacological intervention in the cancer continuum. The viability and success of physical activity and exercise in lower-extremity sarcoma survivors remains largely unknown, likely due to the heterogeneity of clinical presentation and development of this type of cancer regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. This study provides specific recommendations for designing an appropriate training program that will help maintain sarcoma survivors' physical activity and improve their quality of life. The main conclusions reported here result from scientific studies and analyses of clinical data both selected from a systematic search in PubMed database. Sarcoma survivors should be advised as soon as the disease is diagnosed to perform a simple program of low-intensity and short-duration exercise prior to surgery (prehabilitation). Later, during clinical treatments and taking into account their psychobiological status, an adapted exercise program may be developed within the hospital environment. Finally, building healthy habits is recommended so as to improve disease-free survival, including regular physical activity, always under the supervision of professionals in this field. Hopefully, these suggestions will contribute to a better professional performance by specialists in the implementation of safe, reliable, and exercise programs in lower-extremity sarcoma survivors.