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

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a complex procedure with significant physical demands on patients.
• Pre-transplant conditioning regimens can lead to deconditioning, impacting recovery and outcomes.
• Optimizing patient physical status before HSCT is crucial for improving treatment tolerance and post-transplant outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a supervised exercise program for patients awaiting HSCT.
• To evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of pre-transplant exercise on physical functioning, quality of life, and fatigue.
• To determine the safety and patient satisfaction with a tailored exercise intervention prior to HSCT.

Main Methods:

• A controlled clinical trial comparing an exercise group to a control group.
• A 4-6 week supervised exercise program including aerobic, strength, and relaxation exercises, twice weekly.
• Feasibility assessed by inclusion/attrition rates, adherence, safety, and satisfaction; effectiveness by self-perceived functioning, QOL, fatigue, and other secondary outcomes.

Main Results:

• 29 of 46 eligible patients (69%) participated, with 14 in the intervention group.
• High adherence (69%) and satisfaction (mean 9.2/10) were reported, with no adverse events.
• Positive trends favoring the exercise group were observed for physical functioning, quality of life, fatigue, and hospital stay.

Conclusions:

• Pre-transplant exercise is a safe and feasible intervention for HSCT candidates.
• Preliminary findings suggest potential benefits for patient-reported outcomes and clinical measures.
• Future trials should focus on optimizing adherence to maximize the impact of exercise interventions.