Klin Onkol 2020; 33(6): 421-425. DOI: 10.48095/ccko2020421.
Introduction: Cachexia is defined as a syndrome of multifactorial etiology characterized by severe weight loss, loss of muscle and fat mass and increase in protein catabolism. Cachexia in cancer is a predominant and debilitating syndrome. Sarcopenia is a primary disease of older age characterized by loss of muscle mass due to the aging process. Sarcopenia can be defined as a combination of low muscle strength and muscle mass. Sarcopenia often occurs in the geriatric population. Method: This is a review article, search for articles in Pubmed database, JCR and Cochrane database was made with the following keywords: “sarcopenia”, “cachexia”, “rehabilitation” and “exercise”. Result: The main therapy of rehabilitation is exercise. Exercise can reduce the inflammatory response induced by cachexia or sarcopenia. Exercise can support autophagy. Physical activity can slow down weight loss and improve skeletal muscle function. Adequate strength exercise and aerobic exercise are important benefits for patients. Strength and aerobic exercise increase muscle strength and function and represent an important treatment strategy for cachexia and sarcopenia. Conclusion: Rehabilitation treatment is an important part of treatment for patients with cachexia and sarcopenia.
