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Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a physical activity intervention in adults with lymphoma undergoing treatment
Juliana V Costa1, Alexander R Lucas2,3, Shannon L Mihalko1,4
1Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Worrell Professional Center, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA.
Background:
To determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 6-month tailored non-linear progressive physical activity intervention (PAI) for lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Methods:
Patients newly diagnosed with lymphoma (non-Hodgkin (NHL) or Hodgkin (HL)) were randomized into the PAI or healthy living intervention (HLI) control (2:1). Feasibility was assessed by examining accrual, adherence, and retention rates. Participants completed assessments of exercise capacity (VO2 peak and 6-min walk distance (6MWD)), objective and self-reported levels of physical activity, MRI-derived cardiovascular functioning (Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction [LVEF], stroke volume, and cardiac output), and self-reported health-related and disease-specific quality of life and self-efficacy for exercise at baseline, 3, and 6 months.
Results:
One hundred and forty-five individuals were screened with 23 of 84 eligible patients agreeing to participate (27%). Three participants withdrew before baseline testing. Out of the 20 participants randomized to the PAI (n = 13) and HLI groups (n = 7), 18 completed the intervention resulting in an overall retention rate of 78%. The adherence rates to the PAI and HLI were 85% and 87%, respectively. One non-serious adverse event was registered. VO2 peak ranged from 15.5-28.0 ml/kg/min at baseline and participants in both groups improved by 6 months. Physical activity levels and cardiovascular function were reduced prior to treatment but did not deteriorate further.
Conclusions:
Implementing a tailored PAI in adults with lymphoma during active treatment is feasible, was well received by participants and shows preliminary efficacy for limiting a decline in function during treatment. Potential Implications for Cancer Survivors: Physical activity may be beneficial for improving exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Trial Registration:
#NCT01719562 ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered July 2, 2019-retrospectively registered.
