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.