How Much Exercise Is Enough?

New Research Examines Qigong and Cancer Recovery

For people recovering from cancer treatment, exercise can be both helpful and challenging. Fatigue, weakness, disturbed sleep, and emotional stress may continue long after treatment ends. Although physical activity can help restore strength and improve quality of life, an important question remains: How much exercise is enough to make a difference?

A new study published October 7, 2026, in BMC Cancer offers some encouraging findings, particularly for people interested in gentle practices such as Qigong and Taijiquan (Tai Chi).

Researchers analyzed 149 randomized controlled trials involving 13,004 people with cancer. Rather than examining a single exercise program, they compared several approaches, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, high-intensity interval training, and traditional mind-body practices.

The researchers were particularly interested in quality of life, which encompasses physical functioning, emotional well-being, and the ability to manage everyday activities. They also wanted to understand how the amount of exercise influenced the benefits.

Gentle Exercise Can Make a Difference

Qigong and Taijiquan ranked among the most promising approaches for improving quality of life, alongside high-intensity interval training and programs combining aerobic and resistance exercise.

Perhaps the most interesting finding was that Qigong and Taijiquan were associated with meaningful improvements at relatively modest exercise levels.

The researchers measured exercise using MET-minutes, a standard way of combining physical activity intensity with duration. Their statistical model identified benefits from Qigong and Taijiquan at approximately 750 MET-minutes per week.

For perspective, that amount is roughly equivalent to five hours of activity performed at an intensity of 2.5 METs. However, the actual time required depends on the intensity of the movements, which can vary considerably between different forms and practitioners.

This is not a recommendation that everyone recovering from cancer should practice five hours weekly. The figure represents a statistical estimate derived from previous studies, not a tested prescription for individual patients.

Finding the Right Amount

One important lesson from the research is that more exercise is not necessarily better for every person or every activity. The researchers found that the relationship between exercise dosage and quality of life was not simply a straight line. Benefits could increase with additional activity, but the amount associated with the greatest improvement varied between exercise methods.

For someone recovering from illness, this distinction matters. A demanding workout may be appropriate for one person but exhausting for another. Qigong and Taijiquan offer adaptable alternatives, combining gentle movement, balance, breathing, and focused attention without necessarily requiring strenuous exertion.

The study does have limitations. Researchers compared results from many different trials rather than directly assigning participants to every exercise method. Differences in cancer diagnoses, treatments, exercise programs, and individual health conditions make precise comparisons difficult. The authors emphasized that their estimated exercise doses need confirmation in future clinical trials.

Nevertheless, the findings reinforce an encouraging message. Physical activity does not always need to be strenuous to be worthwhile. For people living with or recovering from cancer, finding an enjoyable, manageable form of movement may be an important part of maintaining quality of life.

Qigong and Taijiquan are not treatments for cancer, but they may offer valuable support alongside conventional medical care. The best starting point is an activity level appropriate to the individual's condition, discussed with their healthcare team when necessary, and increased gradually as strength and confidence return.

Source: Hui, Z., et al. (2026). “Optimizing exercise regimens for quality of life in patients with cancer: a network meta-analysis and dose–response study.” BMC Cancer, published October 7, 2026. Reference Article