Adapted physical activity and cardiac coherence in hematologic patients (APACCHE): study protocol for a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Hematologic malignancies and treatments significantly impact long-term quality of life.
• Physical exercise aids physical functioning, but its psychological impact requires further study.
• Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) shows promise for autonomic balance and emotional regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the combined effects of HRVB and adaptive physical activity (APA) versus APA alone on post-treatment quality of life in hematologic patients.
• To assess the impact of HRVB + APA on psychological and physical functioning.
• To explore HRVB's role in supportive cancer care and psychophysiological research.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 70 hematologic patients in remission.
• Participants were assigned to 12-week groups: HRVB + APA or APA alone.
• Outcomes included quality of life (QLQ-C30, SF-36), fatigue, anxiety, depression, and clinical markers, assessed at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• This section is not available in the provided abstract.
• Further research is needed to determine the specific outcomes.
• The study hypothesizes improvements in quality of life and functioning.

Conclusions:

• This is the first study to examine the added value of HRVB to physical exercise in hematologic patients.
• No prior studies have investigated HRVB in this patient population.
• The findings may offer new insights into supportive cancer care and psychophysiological research.