Exercise and Cancer

In cooperation with the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) of the University of Mannheim
(PI: Martin Bohus; Doctoral research of Joachim Wiskemann). Funded by the German José Carreras Leukemia Foundation.

The goal of this multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a partly self-administrated physical exercise intervention before, during and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The investigation was performed from May 2007 to December 2008 and 122 patients were recruited. All participants filled out standardized questionnaires concerning quality of life, fatigue, depression, anxiety, distress and sense of coherence. In addition, physical performance (endurance and strength capacity) and activity history were assessed. The data collection was performed at baseline, admission to and discharge from hospital and 6-8 weeks after discharge. All patients in the exercise group performed an individualized home-based (out-patient setting before and after HSCT) and a partly supervised exercise program during hospitalization for 5 times a week (3x/week endurance and 2x/week resistance training). Patients in the control group received the same social contact as the exercise patients and received a pedometer along with the recommendation to be active during their treatment period. Data analyses showed that the intervention was feasible and beneficial. The exercise group showed significant improvements in endurance performance over the course of the study and also improved muscle strength for lower extremities during the inpatient period. The intervention significantly improved levels of fatigue after hospitalization, as well as physical functioning, vigor and anger/hostility. If these data can be confirmed in other studies this exercise intervention should be integrated into standard supportive medical care, because of its low effort in personnel (only partly supervised training during and telephone calling before and after hospitalization) compared with the estimated benefits for the patients.