Safety, Feasibility, and Acceptability of a Multisite Individualized Exercise Intervention for People with Multiple Myeloma

Authors:
  • RSRosalind R. Spence
    Rosalind R. Spence
  • PMPeter Mollee
    Peter Mollee
  • MHMichelle M. Hill
    Michelle M. Hill
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Abstract
Introduction: High rates of disease- and treatment-related symptoms, such as bone lesions, in people with multiple myeloma (MM) create uncertainty on the safety and feasibility of exercise. This study determined the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of an individualized exercise medicine program for people with MM at any disease stage. Methods: A multisite, randomized waitlist-controlled trial was conducted of an individualized, high-intensity aerobic, resistance, and impact-loading exercise program. The exercise sessions were supervised twice weekly by accredited exercise physiologists, with one additional unsupervised session per week, for 12 wk. Safety was determined by number of adverse and serious adverse events. Feasibility outcome measures were study eligibility, recruitment, adherence, and attrition. Acceptability was determined by qualitative interviews and subjective levels of enjoyment. Results: Of 203 people with MM screened, 88% were eligible, with 34% accepting participation (60 people) and 20% attrition for the between-group analysis, meeting a priori criteria (≥25% and a priori criteria (75% of protocol). Acceptability of the exercise program was high (mean, 82%; 95% confidence interval, 78%–87%) and highly supported by qualitative responses. Conclusions: An individualized, high-intensity aerobic, resistance, and impact-loading exercise medicine program is safe and acceptable, and feasible by some measures for people with MM. Adherence to the prescribed exercise protocols was limited by comorbidities and disease symptoms. Strategies to improve unsupervised exercise completion are warranted in this population.

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