Learn more about our appointment referral process and resources.
Exercise Oncology and Resilience Center
About the Exercise Oncology and Resilience Center
Exercise oncology is a specialized field that focuses on using physical activity and exercise as complementary therapy for people affected by cancer. When utilized as a supporting therapy for those undergoing cancer treatment, it can help address the physical, psychological and social challenges associated with cancer and its treatment.
The Exercise Oncology Center (EOC) is a state-of-the-art 3,800 square foot exercise program and research center with an adjacent fitness center that’s designed to support patients. Colin E. Champ, MD, an oncologist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), oversees breast cancer for the Department of Radiation Oncology and built the center from the ground up. With a staff of qualified and experienced CSCS exercise physiologists, we care for more than 200 cancer patients, in person, per year and are growing.
Instead of being a replacement for standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, exercise oncology integrates exercise into the overall cancer care plan. The goal is to:
- Improve quality of life: Exercise can help manage fatigue, pain, nausea, and other side effects of cancer treatment.
- Reduce treatment-related side effects: Studies show exercise can help mitigate some of the negative impacts of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
- Improve physical function and fitness: Cancer and its treatment can significantly weaken the body. Exercise, and specifically resistance training, helps build strength, muscle, physical performance, and mobility, which can help the body through treatment.
- Boost mood and reduce anxiety and depression: Physical activity releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It also provides a sense of control and accomplishment.
- Improve sleep quality: Exercise can contribute to better sleep patterns, which are often disrupted by cancer and its treatments.
- Reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and improve survival: Emerging research suggests that exercise, and specifically resistance training that improves muscle mass and decreases fat mass, may contribute to better long-term outcomes in some cancer types. This is an area of ongoing investigation. Exercise oncology is a specialized field that focuses on the use of physical activity and exercise as a complementary therapy for people affected by cancer. It addresses the physical, psychological, and social challenges associated with cancer and its treatment.
Before, during, and after cancer treatment
Individuals with any cancer diagnosis can participate in our studies and exercise program. Exercise offers numerous physical and mental health benefits and emerging research is showing it can improve the outcomes after cancer treatment.
We work with the patient and their oncologist to develop a safe and effective exercise plan. This ensures that the exercise program complements, rather than interferes with, other treatments.
Research and Exercise Lab
The Research and Exercise Lab, or the ExOnc Lab, is an adjacent 800 square-foot facility where your assessments before, during and after exercise regimens are done.
Using state-of-the-art tests and machinery, we look at your:
- Movement and mobility
- Metabolism
- Muscle mass
- Body fat
- Cellular fluidity
- Strength
- Balance
- VO2 max
At the adjacent proteomics and metabolomics laboratory, we are able to conduct a variety of tests for specific types of patients. For example, we test patients who will undergo Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer as part of our NEO-CRT research. This ability to test allows us to get a full picture of your health and can help prepare for upcoming procedures, treatments or surgeries.
Exercise Oncology and Resiliency Center
The AHN Exercise Oncology and Resiliency Center is a 3,800 square-foot exercise oncology facility with an adjacent exercise and metabolomics and proteomics lab. As the academic-based prototype facility, patients have access to state-of-the-art technologies measuring strength and body composition in addition to novel resistance training, strength, conditioning, and hypertrophy regimens. This highly specialized program is the only oncologist-run exercise research center in the country where Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist physicians and exercise physiologists are on the floor researching and coaching their patients. This model has produced groundbreaking results for patients during and after cancer treatment and has served as the model for other cancer centers.
Our programs are tailored to the individual's specific cancer type, stage of treatment, and physical capabilities. The initial program lasts for three months and then we work with you on what is needed next for your treatment plan. Sessions are about 45 minutes to an hour and patients come two to three times a week, depending on the protocol. The goal is to not only improve strength but empower patients through the physical activity they are doing.
Exercise oncology specialists
Integrating exercise into your life — especially in the midst of cancer treatments — may feel intimating or overwhelming. The AHN Exercise Oncology team understands this and works with patients to help them feel confident and strong in their care plan. You will work with compassionate experts who will listen to your needs and concerns and create opportunities for you to feel strong and empowered.
Facility lead
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Physiologist
How to get a referral
Your AHN oncologist can refer you into this program based upon your tailored care plan.
Call (412) 578-HOPE (412) 578-4673 to get help finding cancer care within the AHN Cancer Institute or connect with a nurse navigator.
Clinical trials and research
To stay at the forefront of exercise oncology and emerging research, the Exercise Oncology Resilience Center team seeks out innovative studies that are using strength training and exercise to help treat cancer.
EXERT-C
This is the EOC master study where patients with all types of cancer will undergo a strength and resistance training workout to improve their strength, mobility, muscle mass, balance, quality of life, and functional capacity based on our exercise protocol which has been shown to produce incredible results.
NEO-CRT
In this novel study, we are assessing a tiered exercise program that varies on a daily basis based on chemotherapy dosing and performance status in patients undergoing neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX prior to Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer. The study also includes monthly proteomics and metabolomics labs, along with assessment of microbiome.
EXERT BCHC
The EXERT BCBC assesses several novel hypertrophy and conditioning regimens and their impact on muscle mass, fat mass, and VO2max. Using these parameters helps our team understand how strength and resistance training can positively affect the body during treatment.
NEOCHEMOPRT
We are assessing the impact of two different post-workout protein regimens in women undergoing chemotherapy with intense resistance training before surgery for breast cancer.
Ex Onc SLED
In this protocol, we utilize a sled for individuals with mobility issues or undergoing chemotherapy to improve their strength, mobility, and muscle mass during and after treatment. Individuals push and pull the sled varying distances and weight to improve their physical function.