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Evidence-based exercises intervention in adults diagnosed with Lymphoma
Amani A AlJohi1, Ghaidaa H Aljehani1, Safanah A AlSaeed1
1From the Department of Physical Therapy (AlJohi, AlSaeed), Rehabilitation Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, from the Rehabilitation Department (Alhoqail), King Saud University, from the Rehabilitation Department (Madi), Senses Rehabilitation clinics, Riyadh, from the Rehabilitation Department (Aljehani), King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and from the Physiotherapy Department (Mohammed), Lincolnshire Community Healthservice NHS Trust, Lincoln, United Kingdom.
Exercise therapy, including aerobic, strength, and mind-body training, shows benefits for lymphoma patients. This intervention improves fatigue, physical performance, and quality of life (QOL) in adults with lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Lymphoma diagnosis significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QOL), leading to fatigue, sleep disturbances, and impaired physical and psychological functioning.
- Physical therapy and exercise interventions are increasingly explored as supportive care strategies in oncology.
- Evidence regarding the specific benefits of exercise for lymphoma survivors remains to be synthesized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy of physical therapy or exercise interventions on QOL, fatigue, sleep, and functioning in adult lymphoma patients.
- To assess the quality and level of evidence for exercise interventions in this population.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases (March 2010–December 2020).
- Twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the review.
- Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) checklist, with scores ranging from 5-8 (fair to good quality).
Main Results:
- The review included 12 RCTs, with 9 focusing on lymphoma patients undergoing or completing chemotherapy and 3 on hematological malignancy patients post-stem cell transplantation.
- The mean PEDro score was 6.3±0.89, indicating fair to good methodological quality across the included studies.
- Specific exercise modalities included aerobic, strength, and mind-body training.
Conclusions:
- Moderate evidence supports exercise therapy as beneficial for lymphoma patients.
- Exercise interventions positively impact fatigue, physical performance, and QOL in individuals with lymphoma.
- Recommended exercise types include aerobic, strength, and mind-body training.
