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Regular physical activity, good mental fitness, and a balanced diet can significantly influence the course of treatment and the quality of life of patients with an oncological diagnosis. This is the very idea on which the OnkoFit project was—and still is—built. The project originated through cooperation between the Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute and Masaryk University in Brno. With a number of specific features and complementary activities, a similar program is now being developed in Pilsen thanks to collaboration between UWB’s Faculty of Education and the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy at University Hospital Pilsen.

“The project of supportive physical activities in Pilsen began at our faculty last year, and we are currently organizing the third round of the twelve-week exercise program. We focus not only on participants’ physical activity and performance—these participants are oncology patients—but also on their mental well-being,” explained lecturer Věra Knappová from the Centre for Physical Education and Sport at the FPE UWB.

Students from the Centre for Physical Education and Sport are also actively involved in the project. As part of their practicums, they help organize sessions, assist participants during exercise, and even co-lead classes. Some of them choose movement interventions for oncology patients as the topic of their theses. “For students, it’s a great experience: they get direct exposure to working with people who face specific health challenges, and they can see that their help has a real impact,” added Věra Knappová.

The Pilsen activities are not just about strength work or conditioning. A wide range of options is on offer – from group, health-oriented and individualized exercise and Nordic walking outings to swimming lessons, pool-based exercise, and onco-yoga. Healthcare professionals from the oncology clinic and other University Hospital departments are also involved in the program.

“We see physical activity as part of the comprehensive care we want to provide our patients, with the aim of improving oncology treatment outcomes as well as their overall health status. A major challenge for us is boosting their motivation to join these programs and overcoming their fears and uncertainties,” explained Samuel Vokurka of the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital Pilsen.

The faculty holds the health-oriented group exercise every Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. at Sportcentrum Koloseum, and Nordic walking every Monday at 4:00 p.m. Those interested in taking part can get more information at the Education and Information Centre for Supportive Care of the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy or on the University Hospital Pilsen website.