RCT to Investigate Whether an Exercise Programme Improves the Physical Performance and QOL After BMT

Randomised Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of an Exercise Programme on Physical Performance and Quality of Life After a Bone Marrow Transplant

The hypothesis is that exercise will improve the physical performance and quality of life of bone marrow/ haemopoietic stem cell transplants.The aim of the trial is to provide definite clinical evidence as to which( if any) type of exercise is most beneficial for this patient population. It is also aimed at improving the provision of physiotherapy services to this group of patients.

A three group, single blinded, randomised trial was designed to compare the effects of

1. aerobic plus active exercise and
2. aerobic plus resistance exercise to
3. control group of bone marrow/haemopoietic recipients not recieving exercise.

The hypotheses being tested is that

1. Exercise improves the physical performance of transplants recipients.
2. Exercise improves the quality of life of these patients;
3. resisted exercise added to aerobic exercise increases muscle strength or lean muscle mass and
4. There are no adverse events during either form of exercise

Inclusion Criteria:

Recipient bone marrow transplant Alfred Hospital, Platelets >= 20 x 10E9 / l Provide written consent, 30 days after a bone marrow transplant have an absolute neutrophil count of 1x10E9/l be in a stable medical condition

Exclusion Criteria:

febrile neutropenia Have active graft versus host disease Have cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction < 20%) require > 28% oxygen