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LIVING WELL WITH MYELOMA: MOVEMENT FOR MYELOMA PATIENTS & CARE PARTNERS MARCH 10, 2026 4PM PT | 7PM ET

The Role of Exercise in Multiple Myeloma Survivors Karen Wonders, Ph.D., FACSM

Our mission is to improve the quality of lives of individuals who battle cancer.

Exercise Oncology Defined

The use of physical activity and exercise to enhance the lives of people with cancer and cancer survivors

The Evidence for Exercise Oncology: Exponential Growth

Documented Benefits of Exercise During Cancer Treatment Fatigue Sleep Quality of life Anxiety Depression Body composition Function Breast cancer related lymphedema

Role of Exercise in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Improved Physical Function

Fatigue Reduction

Bone Health Maintenance

Regular exercise can help maintain mobility by strengthening muscles, which is especially important for patients experiencing bone pain or weakness

Exercise has been shown to combat fatigue, a common symptom of myeloma, leading to increased energy levels and better quality of life

Weightbearing exercises like walking can help prevent further bone loss, which is a significant concern for myeloma patients

Role of Exercise in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Cardiovascular Health

Mental Well-Being

Aerobic exercise can improve heart health and manage risk factors like high blood pressure, potentially benefiting overall health

Physical activity can positively impact mood and reduce stress, which can be important for managing the psychological aspect of a cancer diagnosis

What Counts as Exercise? •Exercise does not need to be intense to be beneficial. •Examples of physical activity that support recovery: • Walking around your neighborhood • Light household activities (laundry, cooking, cleaning) • Chair exercises • Gentle stretching • Water walking or pool exercises • Playing with children or grandchildren •Even short periods of movement throughout the day can support your strength, energy, and recovery.

Safe Exercise Options • Low-Impact Cardiovascular Activities • Walking (start with 5-10 minutes, gradually increase) • Stationary cycling (recumbent bikes preferred) • Swimming or water exercises (excellent for reducing joint stress)

Safe Exercise Options • Modified Strength Training • Resistance bands over free weights • Seated exercises for stability • Focus on controlled, smooth movements • Start with 2-3 exercises, 8-12 repetitions

Safe Exercise Options • Balance & Flexibility • Gentle stretching within pain-free range • Chair-supported balance exercises • Focus on maintaining daily function

Safe Exercise Options • Benefits: • Helps manage cancerrelated fatigue • Supports bone health alongside treatment • Improves mood and reduces stress • Maintains independence in daily activities • Can enhance treatment tolerance

Proper Form & Movement Safety

The 5-Minute Rule for Getting Started: Getting Started with Exercise

On days when fatigue feels overwhelming, commit to just 5 minutes of movement. If you begin to feel better, continue If not, stop and rest Many people find that gentle movement can actually reduce fatigue.

Exercise-Related Fatigue vs. Cancer Fatigue: • Exercise fatigue: Temporary, improves

Understanding Exercise Fatigue

with rest • Cancer fatigue: May persist, needs careful management

Best Practices for Managing Fatigue in Multiple Myeloma:

Understanding Exercise Fatigue

• Time workouts when energy levels are highest • Start with 5-10 min sessions • Rest between exercises (1-2 mins) • Hydrate before, during, and after • Track fatigue levels (1-10 scale)

Preventing Falls During Exercise Multiple myeloma can increase the risk of falls due to bone weakness, fatigue, or neuropathy.

Falls Prevention

Key safety strategies: • Exercise in well-lit areas • Wear supportive, non-slip shoes • Use a stable support such as a chair or wall • Remove loose rugs or obstacles • Avoid uneven or slippery surfaces • Stop if you feel dizzy or unsteady

How Exercise Helps Support Bone Health Through Movement:

Bone Density and Exercise

• Stimulates bone-forming cells • Improves balance to prevent falls • Maintains muscle mass protecting bones • Supports joint health

Exercise Selection Based on Bone Status: • Weight-bearing exercise (as

Bone Density and Exercise

appropriate) • Resistance training with bands • Pool exercises for reduced impact • Balance training for fall prevention

Before You Start - When to Talk With Your Doctor Before starting an exercise program, talk with your doctor if you have: • Active bone lesions or recent fractures • Severe anemia • Severe fatigue that limits activity • Uncontrolled pain • Recent surgery • Balance problems or significant neuropathy Exercise is often still possible — but modifications may be needed to keep you safe.

Simple Way to Start Goal: Move Most Days of the Week

Monday 10-minute walk + gentle stretching

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Chair-based strength exercises

Rest or light activity

10 to 15-minute walk

Resistance band exercises

Exercise Intensity and Duration

1 2 3

Start slow and progress gradually Aim for Moderate Intensity Monitor exercise response and adjust as needed

Safety Considerations

Avoid high impact or

Monitor for side effects

Avoid infection risks

contact activities

Practical Applications: • Practice specific movements needed daily

Summary

• Use proper form during daily tasks • Modify movements based on energy levels • Know when to ask for assistance

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Educational Resources

Guide for Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients

AUDIENCE Q&A WITH DR. WONDERS

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Open the Q&A window to type in your question(s).

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We will do our best to answer as many questions as possible, however, please feel free to also reach out to the IMF InfoLine:

MYELO

INFOLINE 800-452-2873 (CURE) Promoting Knowledge, Empowerment, & Hope Patient-Reported Needs Include: • Understanding lab results, terminology and disease state • Preparing for medical visits • Access to medical providers, specialty care (ASCT, CAR T) • Access to specialty medications (Len, Dara, etc.) • Financial resources

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Feedback Survey At the close of the meeting a feedback survey will pop up. This will also be emailed to you shortly after the workshop. Please take a moment to complete this survey.

WORKSHOP VIDEO REPLAY & SLIDES

 As follow up to today's workshop, we will have the speaker slides and a video replay available.  These will be provided to you shortly after the workshop concludes and posted to our website under “IMF Videos” © 2026, International Myeloma Foundation. All rights reserved. IMF Confidential

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

The International Myeloma Foundation is the global leader in multiple myeloma OUR MISSION:

OUR VISION:

To improve the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention & a cure

A world where every myeloma patient can live life to the fullest, unburdened by the disease 33

EDUCATION – AWARENESS - MAM

This year’s theme, #MoreThanMyeloma, reminds us that every patient is more than their diagnosis. And together, we will make the world take notice by lighting landmarks red across the globe. Light a Landmark in Your Community Help shine a light on multiple myeloma by asking your city to light up a local landmark in red this March. From bridges and buildings to monuments and city halls, every illuminated landmark sparks curiosity and inspires conversation.

MYELOMA ACTION MONTH PROGRAMS

2026 LIVE IN THE US - PATIENT EDUCATION Patient & Family Seminars

Myeloma Community Workshops

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Boca Raton, FL – March 13 – 14

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Kansas City, MO – March 28

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Cleveland, OH – May 1 – 2

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Virtual – April 20 – Newly Diagnosed

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Los Angeles, CA – August 14 – 15

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Minneapolis, MN – April 25

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Detroit, MI – June 27

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Salt Lake City, UT – August 1

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Virtual – August 24 - Relapsed

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Portland, OR – September 19

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San Diego, CA – October 24

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Phoenix, AZ – November 14

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Virtual – November 16 - Controversies

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Short Hills, NJ – October 2 – 3

OUR MISSION:

Improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure.

OUR VISION:

A world where every myeloma patient can live life to the fullest, unburdened by the disease.

Let’s Get Social:

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