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Multimodal exercise training during myeloablative chemotherapy: a prospective randomized pilot trial

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Abstract

Purpose

Cancer and its treatment-related side effects induce loss of physical performance. This study evaluated the effects of multimodal aerobic and strength exercises on physical performance in hospitalized cancer patients while receiving myeloablative chemotherapy.

Methods

In this prospective pilot study, 48 evaluable patients were randomly assigned to a training (TG, n = 24) or control (CG, n = 24) group. The TG performed an individually supervised exercise program five times a week with ergometer training and strength exercises for 20 min each during the hospitalization period for chemotherapy. The CG received standard physiotherapy. Physical performance was evaluated using spiroergometry, lung function, and muscle strength testing. Treatment-related side effects were assessed by daily interviews, quality of life by EORTC-QLQ-C30, and fatigue using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) questionnaire.

Results

Physical performance significantly increased in the TG (8.96 ± 24 W) and decreased in the CG (−7.24 ± 20 W, p = 0.02). At 2-mmol/ml blood lactate concentration, the TG achieved significantly increased oxygen consumption (p = 0.03) and expiratory minute ventilation (p = 0.04) compared to the CG. Furthermore, physical functioning increased significantly in the TG (p = 0.04). Patients in the TG required less antiemetics (p = 0.01) and experienced significantly less fatigue (p = 0.04), although MFIS analysis was not able to detect this beneficial effect. Patients of the CG displayed higher impairments of cognitive (p = 0.02) and psychosocial function (p = 0.03) after chemotherapy. No adverse events due to the study intervention were observed.

Conclusions

Multimodal exercise has beneficial effects on physical performance, physical functioning, and treatment-related symptoms even during myeloablative chemotherapy. We suggest an enhanced physical activity intervention program during hospitalization of cancer patients.

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Acknowledgments

The study was sponsored by the “Hamburger Krebsgesellschaft”.

Conflict of interest

We do not have any conflicts of interests. We have full control of all primary data and would allow the journal to review the data if requested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pneumology Section, Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany

    Karin Oechsle, Zeynep Aslan, Yvonne Suesse, Wiebke Jensen, Carsten Bokemeyer & Maike de Wit

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Haematology and Oncology, Vivantes Clinic Neukoelln, Rudower Strasse 48, 12351, Berlin, Germany

    Maike de Wit

Authors
  1. Karin Oechsle
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  2. Zeynep Aslan
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  3. Yvonne Suesse
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  4. Wiebke Jensen
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  6. Maike de Wit
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Correspondence to Maike de Wit.

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Oechsle, K., Aslan, Z., Suesse, Y. et al. Multimodal exercise training during myeloablative chemotherapy: a prospective randomized pilot trial. Support Care Cancer 22, 63–69 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-1927-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-1927-z

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