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A pilot phase II RCT of a home-based exercise intervention for survivors of AML

Supportive Care in Cancer volume 22, pages 881–889 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Fatigue is the most common and disabling symptom affecting quality of life (QOL) and daily function in patients who have completed treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although trials in patients with various solid tumors have reported improved fatigue and QOL following exercise interventions, there have been no studies in AML patients post treatment.

Methods

Forty patients aged ≥40 years who had completed treatment for AML were enrolled in a 12-week randomized phase II exercise intervention to determine feasibility (recruitment, retention, and adherence), efficacy, and safety of the intervention. Patients assigned to the exercise group received an individualized, moderate-intensity, 12-week home-based exercise program with weekly telephone support from a certified exercise physiologist. QOL, fatigue, and fitness outcomes were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Between-group differences in 12-week change scores were calculated using linear regression adjusting for age and baseline function.

Results

Recruitment and retention rates were 38 % and 91 %, respectively. Adherence was low at 28 %. Analyses did not suggest statistically significant or clinically important benefits in QOL, fatigue, or physical fitness with the intervention. The level of adherence did not appear to impact outcomes. There were no adverse events.

Conclusion

A home-based exercise program for post-treatment AML patients age 40 years or older can be safely delivered with reasonable recruitment and high retention. However, feasibility was hampered by low adherence. Further research and program modification are needed to better understand and overcome barriers to exercise delivery and adherence in AML survivors.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Shabbir M. H. Alibhai, Sara O’Neill, Karla Fisher-Schlombs, Henriette Breunis, Narhari Timilshina, Mark D. Minden & George A. Tomlinson

  2. Geriatric Program, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Shabbir M. H. Alibhai

  3. Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Shabbir M. H. Alibhai & Mark D. Minden

  4. Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Shabbir M. H. Alibhai

  5. Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    George A. Tomlinson

  6. Department of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

    S. Nicole Culos-Reed

  7. University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street Room EN14-214, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 2C4

    Shabbir M. H. Alibhai

  8. Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 4-112 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350 - 83 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada

    Joseph M. Brandwein

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  1. Shabbir M. H. Alibhai
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  2. Sara O’Neill
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  9. S. Nicole Culos-Reed
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Correspondence to Shabbir M. H. Alibhai.

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Alibhai, S.M.H., O’Neill, S., Fisher-Schlombs, K. et al. A pilot phase II RCT of a home-based exercise intervention for survivors of AML. Support Care Cancer 22, 881–889 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-2044-8

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Keywords

  • Acute myeloid leukemia
  • Exercise
  • Randomized controlled trial
  • Quality of life
  • Cancer-related fatigue
  • Elderly