Running with a Chronic Illness Ep. 1: The Physiological Impact of Exercise on Your Health and Vice Versa

While research confirms that an active lifestyle lowers one’s chances of premature death and chronic illness (Warburton et al., 2006), many athletes find themselves on the short end of the stick, developing a disease despite their best efforts to stay happy and healthy. Even though participants in all kinds of sports have to navigate the intricacies of living and being active with a chronic illness, I will mostly focus on running as I, too, have officially entered the ranks of runners with a chronic disease.

In this series, I will also share personal experiences with navigating pain, medical emergencies, and medicine management during both training and racing, focusing mainly on endurance events. And while my experience may differ wildly from yours, I hope that this exploration sets the stage for embracing both body and mind in your personal running journey.

The Physiology of Running with a Chronic Illness

Living with a chronic illness presents unique physiological challenges, influencing the body’s ability to engage in physical activities such as running. Conditions such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia impose limitations that vary widely among individuals. Each condition affects the body differently—arthritis may cause joint pain and stiffness; asthma can lead to breathing difficulties; diabetes requires careful monitoring of blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, an article by Warburton et al. (2006) in CMAJ outlines how aerobic exercise can lead to metabolic adaptations that improve cardiovascular health even in those with chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. This comprehensive body of research underscores the critical role of exercise in managing chronic illness and optimizing overall health.

Sample Complications and Limitations:

• Arthritis: Joint inflammation and pain.
• Asthma: Respiratory challenges during intense exercise.
• Diabetes: Necessity for blood sugar management.
• Heart Disease: Limits on cardiovascular exertion.
• Multiple Sclerosis: Neurological symptoms affecting balance, coordination, and fatigue levels. (Meet Sagirah, a MS marathoner.)
• Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: Pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding affecting mobility and exercise capacity.
• Dementia: Cognitive challenges affecting coordination.

Underlying chronic illness and associated medication use can also increase the chance of cramping during or after runs (Schwellnus et al., 2018). These complications often require additional planning when engaging in physical activity, particularly in high-impact exercises like running.

Exercise Benefits for Chronic Illness Management

Overcoming Physical Barriers

Establishing realistic goals is crucial for chronically ill individuals who wish to incorporate (or keep) running into their lifestyle. Gradually increasing intensity allows the body to adapt safely while minimizing the risk of injury. Tailored programs focus on accommodating specific needs through low-impact activities:

• Walking: A gentle introduction to cardiovascular exercise.
• Swimming: Provides full-body workouts with minimal joint strain.
• Cycling: Enhances leg strength and endurance without high impact.

These alternatives offer similar benefits to running while reducing stress on vulnerable areas. They’re also a great form of cross-training and perfect substitute exercises for days when your condition prevents you from doing what you love.

On top of these, yoga can also do a lot of good. While it doesn’t substitute for running as well as the above-mentioned exercises, it’s the perfect choice for days when you want to exercise even though simply getting out of bed was/is already too much. (Yoga with Adrienne is a YouTube channel where you can find yoga sessions specifically for when you’re sick.)

Specific Approaches and Exercise Impact for Select Conditions

Certain chronic illnesses require more specific exercise considerations for added benefits. People with chronic illnesses often lack specific guidelines for navigating their health issues in regard to sports (Hunt et al., 2018). It can be challenging to find guidance, especially if your condition is a more limiting one. The following is in no way a complete guide; use the links provided, search on the internet, and ask your healthcare provider for more detailed guidelines should you need them.

Brief Approach Overview:

• Cancer: Moderate exercise during and after treatment can reduce fatigue, depression, and anxiety, improve the quality of life, and even enhance treatment outcomes for certain types of cancer. (National Cancer Institute, 2019).
• Multiple Sclerosis: Regular physical activity helps maintain mobility, balance, and muscle strength while managing fatigue symptoms (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2021, 2024).
• Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: At the moment, literature is “inconclusive” as to the positive impacts of exercise on endometriosis symptoms (Bonocher et al., 2014). However, low-impact exercises and pelvic floor workouts could help manage lower-level pain.
• Dementia: Regular physical activity may help slow cognitive decline and improve mood and social engagement (Teri et al, 2008)
• Arthritis: Low-impact aerobic exercises combined with strength training reduce joint strain while building supportive muscles (American College of Rheumatology, 2023). Regular exercise also lowers pain amounts (American College of Rheumatology, 2023)
• Asthma: Daily aerobic activities help increase blood flow to your lungs and lung capacity. Proper belly-breathing techniques can help manage symptoms. Stop exercise immediately and use a quick-relief inhaler if you begin to struggle. (American Lung Association).
• Diabetes: Regular exercise can assist with the management of blood glucose levels, improve insulin action and blood pressure, lower cardiovascular risk, and improve the quality of life. It can also prevent or delay type 2 diabetes (Colberg et al., 2010).
• Heart Disease: When it comes to heart disease, “slow and steady wins the race (American Heart Association, 2020).” Moderate-intensity activities monitored by healthcare professionals ensure safety (American Heart Association). “Accumulating evidence suggests resistance training is a safe and effective approach for improving cardiovascular health in adults with and without cardiovascular disease (Paluch et al., 2023).”

Tailoring fitness regimens to individual needs maximizes benefits while minimizing risks. Please refer to linked research and websites for more information. Discuss appropriate exercises with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about your specific condition. Always listen to your body and stop if you feel unwell.

Recommended Exercise Guidelines for Chronically Ill Individuals

Consultation with Professionals & Summary

The importance of consulting healthcare providers cannot be overstated. Professionals offer valuable insights into managing exercise within the context of chronic illness.

They provide personalized advice tailored to individual conditions, making adjustments as necessary based on progress or medical changes.

Understanding both physiological constraints and potential benefits can empower you as you navigate your fitness journey. Engaging strategically in physical activity can enrich your life by fostering resilience and promoting mental health, which we’ll focus on in our next foray into the world of running with a chronic disease.

Next Episode: The Psychological Impact of Chronic Illness on Running and Vice Versa

Following:

• The Science Behind and Personal Experiences with Running with Heart Disease, Endometriosis, and Adenomyosis
• Pre-Surgery Preparations, Post-Surgery Recovery, and Return to Running