1st International Virtual SymposiumSaturday, June 19, 2021
Dr. Metsios is a Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Thessaly (Greece) and University of Wolverhampton (UK). His work evolves around physical activity, exercise and health and specifically how physical activity and/or exercise can be used to improve – via specific physiological and molecular/genetic mechanisms – disease symptoms and health parameters in patients with different non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease and cancer. His interests also involve implementation science and particularly, how effective interventions can be implemented in healthcare practice. He has led randomized controlled trials and epidemiological studies and have published more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications in his field. His work has had a significant scientific impact since it has helped the formation of position statements and improve existing guidelines for treating different chronic diseases. In specific, specific publications have been used, amongst others, by the World Health Organization, the British Heart Foundation, the National Health Services and the European League Against Rheumatism. Professor Metsios has also received both national and international grants (Medical Research Council, FP-7, Horizon 2020) exceeding 8 million euros and he acts as an expert evaluator in multiple funding bodies and peer-reviewed journals.
The critical role of physical activity in reducing risk for cancer and for improving prognosis in persons living with cancer has been well documented. This session will provide insights into the most updated guidelines for clinicians and exercise professionals to ensure that cancer patients and survivors benefit from physical activity to improve their health and quality of life. Evidence supporting that exercise testing and prescription are generally safe for cancer survivors, and that survivors should avoid inactivity will also be presented. In summary, specific doses of aerobic, resistance and combined exercise programs could help with common cancer-related health outcomes including symptoms of anxiety, depression and fatigue, and could improve physical functioning and health-related quality of life.