Physical exercise prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A feasibility study

Purpose: This study explores the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an exercise program in people scheduled for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods: In this controlled clinical trial, we compare pre-transplantation exercise to no exercise in the waiting period for an allogeneic of autologous HSCT. The supervised individually tailored exercise program (4-6 weeks) consisted of aerobic endurance, muscle strength, and relaxation exercises, administered twice a week in the period prior to HSCT. Feasibility was determined based on inclusion rate, attrition rate, adherence to intervention, safety, and satisfaction (0-10). Preliminary effectiveness was determined primarily by self-perceived physical functioning, quality of life (QOL), and fatigue. Secondary outcomes were global perceived effect (GPE), blood counts, hospital stay, and physical fitness. Results: Forty-six patients were eligible, of whom 29 (69%) participated: 14 in the intervention group and 15 in the control group. The adherence rate to training was 69%. No adverse events or injuries occurred. Satisfaction of training conditions was high (mean 9.2 +/- 1.3). Positive (follow-up) trends in favor of the intervention group were found for self-perceived physical functioning, QOL, fatigue, GPE, blood counts, and hospital stay. Conclusion: Exercise prior to HSCT is safe and feasible, and positive trends suggest favorable preliminary effectiveness. Adherence to the exercise program needs to be optimized in a future trial.