Exercise Guidelines for Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Safe and Effective Physical Activity Tips
Patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can benefit from physical activity, but exercise must be carefully tailored to individual health status and medical guidance. Since MDS affects blood cell production—impacting red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—each patient's capacity for exercise varies significantly. Understanding your current condition and working closely with your healthcare provider is essential to maintaining safety while staying active.
When Is It Safe to Exercise with MDS?
For patients whose blood counts have normalized after treatment, including stable hemoglobin, white blood cell, and platelet levels, moderate physical activity is generally safe. These individuals may engage in regular aerobic exercises such as walking, light jogging, cycling, or swimming. Maintaining a consistent routine helps improve cardiovascular health, energy levels, and overall well-being without increasing health risks.
Exercising with Anemia: What You Need to Know
Anemia is common among MDS patients due to insufficient red blood cell production. Symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations can worsen with exertion. If anemia is mild to moderate, low-impact activities such as gentle stretching, yoga, or short walks may be appropriate. However, intense workouts should be avoided, as they increase oxygen demand on the heart and lungs, potentially leading to cardiac strain or more serious complications.
It's crucial to monitor how you feel during any physical activity. If you experience chest tightness, excessive tiredness, or lightheadedness, stop immediately and rest. Always consult your doctor before starting or modifying an exercise plan when dealing with anemia.
Bleeding Risks and Low Platelet Counts
Many MDS patients have thrombocytopenia—low platelet counts—especially when levels fall below 20×10⁹/L or even 30×10⁹/L. In these cases, the risk of spontaneous bleeding or injury-related hemorrhage increases dramatically. High-impact sports, contact activities, heavy lifting, or anything that could lead to falls or trauma should be strictly avoided.
Instead, focus on gentle movement practices such as seated exercises, breathing techniques, or slow-paced tai chi. Even daily actions like getting up from a chair or turning in bed should be done slowly and deliberately to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure or accidental bumps.
Additional Health Considerations During Exercise
Hypertension management is another key factor. Patients with high blood pressure need effective control through medication and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of internal bleeding, especially in the brain or other vital organs. Sudden spikes in blood pressure during intense exercise can be dangerous, so blood pressure should be regularly monitored.
Furthermore, MDS often weakens the immune system due to low white blood cell counts. This makes patients more susceptible to infections. After exercising, it's important to avoid exposure to cold temperatures, crowded places, or anyone who is ill. Shower promptly after workouts, dress appropriately for the weather, and maintain good hygiene to minimize infection risks.
Creating a Personalized Exercise Plan
The best approach is to work with your hematologist or oncology care team to develop a customized fitness strategy. They may recommend collaboration with a physical therapist familiar with cancer-related conditions to ensure all activities are both beneficial and safe.
Remember: consistency and caution go hand in hand. Even small amounts of daily movement can make a meaningful difference in quality of life, mood, and physical resilience—without pushing your body beyond its limits.