Top Takeaways from the IMF Living Well with Myeloma Webinar: Movement for Myeloma Patients and Care Partners

Learn why movement and exercise are on track to become the standard of care for myeloma patients and care partners from this March 10 IMF Living Well with Myeloma (LWM) Webinar.   

The first IMF LWM Webinar of 2026 took place on Tuesday, March 10, with Dr. Karen Wonders, founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance and professor of exercise physiology at Wright State University, as guest speaker. IMF Vice President of Patient Support Robin Tuohy moderated the discussion.

Here are some of the top takeaways from the LWM webinar:

What can be considered exercise/physical activity?

You don’t need intense exercise for it to be beneficial. Simple day-to-day activities such as walking around the neighborhood, doing light household activities, chair exercises, gentle stretching, water walking/pool exercises, or playing with your kids or grandkids are still considered physical activity. Even short periods of movement throughout the day can increase strength, boost energy, and aid recovery. 

Should I talk to my doctor before starting an exercise program?

Before engaging in an exercise program, make sure to speak with your doctor first, especially if you have any of the following:

• Active bone lesions or recent fractures
• Severe anemia
• Severe fatigue
• Uncontrolled pain
• Recent surgery
• Balance problems or significant neuropathy 

What are safe exercise options for myeloma patients?  

1. Low-impact cardiovascular activities — these include walking (start with 5- to 10-minute walks, then increase gradually); stationary cycling (recumbent bikes preferred); and swimming or water exercises (ideal for reducing joint stress).
2. Modified strength training — these include using resistance bands over free weights, doing seated exercises for stability, and focusing on controlled, smooth movements. It is advisable to start with 2-3 exercises with 8-12 repetitions.
3. Balance and flexibility — these exercises include gentle stretching that’s pain-free, chair-supported balance exercises, and those focused on maintaining daily function. 

What is the 5-minute rule for getting started with exercise?

On days when you feel fatigued, commit to just 5 minutes of movement. You can continue if it makes you feel better, but if not, stop and rest. Many people find that gentle movement can reduce fatigue.

What is the difference between exercise-related fatigue and cancer fatigue?

To distinguish between exercise-related fatigue and cancer fatigue: exercise-related fatigue is temporary and improves with rest, while cancer fatigue may persist and needs careful management. 

What are best practices for managing fatigue?

1. Schedule workouts when energy levels are at their highest.
2. Start with 5- to 10-minute sessions.
3. Rest between exercises for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Make sure to drink water/hydrate before, during, and after exercising.
5. Keep track of your fatigue levels (on a scale of 1-10). 

How does exercise support bone health?

1. Stimulates bone-forming cells
2. Improves balance and helps prevent falls
3. Maintains muscle mass, which protects bones
4. Supports joint health 

How do I prevent the risk of falling during exercise?

1. Exercise in well-lit areas.
2. Wear supportive, non-slip shoes.
3. Make sure to use stable support (a chair or wall)
4. Remove obstacles such as loose rugs or anything that may cause an accident.
5. Avoid exercising on uneven or slippery surfaces.
6. Stop exercising if you feel dizzy or unsteady on your feet.

What are safety considerations to keep in mind while exercising?

1. Avoid high-impact or contact activities.
2. Monitor for side effects.
3. Avoid infection risks.
4. Maintain proper form and movement safety.

What are the benefits of exercising for myeloma patients?

1. Improved physical function — Regular exercise can help maintain mobility by strengthening muscles, which is especially important for patients who are experiencing bone pain or weakness.
2. Fatigue reduction — Exercise has been shown to combat fatigue, a common symptom of myeloma. This leads to increased energy levels and better quality of life.
3. Bone health maintenance — Weight-bearing exercises like walking can help prevent further bone loss, which is a significant concern for myeloma patients.
4. Cardiovascular health — Aerobic exercise can improve heart health and manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, potentially benefiting overall health.
5. Mental well-being — Physical activity can positively impact mood and reduce stress, which can be important for managing the psychological aspect of a cancer diagnosis.
6. Independence in daily activities — Improved physical function helps with better mobility and muscle strength, thus helping keep you on your feet while doing day-to-day activities
7. Enhanced treatment tolerance — Exercise and physical activity enhance patients’ tolerance for treatments.

The bottom line

Whether you're newly diagnosed, in active treatment, or going through recovery, this webinar offers practical, evidence-based guidance to exercise and movement. Care partners are also warmly encouraged to participate.

You can still watch the replay of the full LWM webinar.