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Effects of exercise on fatigue, sleep, and performance: a randomized trial
Elizabeth Ann Coleman1, Julia A Goodwin, Robert Kennedy
1College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. colemanann@uams.edu
Oncology Nursing Forum
|September 4, 2012
Summary
A home-based individualized exercise program (HBIEP) showed minimal impact on fatigue, sleep, or aerobic capacity in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. However, exercise is safe and beneficial, particularly when combined with epoetin alfa for anemia.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Exercise Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) treatment often leads to significant fatigue, sleep disturbances, and reduced physical performance.
- Epoetin alfa is frequently used to manage anemia associated with MM treatment.
- Assessing the role of exercise in mitigating treatment side effects is crucial for patient well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based individualized exercise program (HBIEP) compared to usual care in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) undergoing intensive treatment and epoetin alfa therapy.
- To determine the impact of HBIEP on fatigue, sleep quality, and aerobic capacity.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 187 newly diagnosed MM patients.
- Participants were assigned to either an experimental group receiving HBIEP or a control group receiving usual care.
- Outcomes including fatigue, sleep, and aerobic capacity were measured at baseline and throughout the 15-week study period.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed between the HBIEP and usual care groups regarding fatigue, sleep, or aerobic capacity.
- All patients, regardless of group, experienced increased fatigue and decreased sleep quality and performance as treatment progressed.
- Statistically significant improvements were noted in hemoglobin levels for patients receiving exercise combined with epoetin alfa, suggesting a benefit in anemia management.
Conclusions:
- The home-based individualized exercise program (HBIEP) demonstrated a minimal effect on reducing fatigue, improving sleep, or enhancing aerobic capacity in MM patients during intensive treatment.
- Exercise is confirmed as a safe intervention for patients undergoing MM treatment.
- Combining exercise with epoetin alfa may offer additional benefits in alleviating anemia.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective response...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
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01:26Exercise Stress Test
Introduction
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...