Physical exercise prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A feasibility study

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Purpose: This study explores the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an exercise program in people scheduled for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods: In this controlled clinical trial, we compare pre-transplantation exercise to no exercise in the waiting period for an allogeneic of autologous HSCT. The supervised individually tailored exercise program (4–6 weeks) consisted of aerobic endurance, muscle strength, and relaxation exercises, administered twice a week in the period prior to HSCT. Feasibility was determined based on inclusion rate, attrition rate, adherence to intervention, safety, and satisfaction (0–10). Preliminary effectiveness was determined primarily by self-perceived physical functioning, quality of life (QOL), and fatigue. Secondary outcomes were global perceived effect (GPE), blood counts, hospital stay, and physical fitness. Results: Forty-six patients were eligible, of whom 29 (69%) participated: 14 in the intervention group and 15 in the control group. The adherence rate to training was 69%. No adverse events or injuries occurred. Satisfaction of training conditions was high (mean 9.2 ± 1.3). Positive (follow-up) trends in favor of the intervention group were found for self-perceived physical functioning, QOL, fatigue, GPE, blood counts, and hospital stay. Conclusion: Exercise prior to HSCT is safe and feasible, and positive trends suggest favorable preliminary effectiveness. Adherence to the exercise program needs to be optimized in a future trial.
Funding Information
  • This study was an investigator initiated study financially supported by Novartis Pharma B.V. (20%) ; and an anonymous private sponsor (80%). (-)

This publication has 34 references indexed in Scilit: