Ambulatory Physical Exercise Program in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients

Physical Exercise to Improve Physical Performance and Health Related Quality of Life in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients

The proposed study in an inception cohort of patients with hematological malignancies treated with PBSCT is designed to evaluate the effects of a physical exercise intervention on muscular-skeletal, physical activity and quality of life outcomes.

Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation is a frequently used therapy option to increase survival in hematological and lymphatic malignancies. These malignancies and their treatment are associated with numerous physical and psychological symptoms and severe side effects. Physical exercise has been proposed as a promising strategy for the treatment of some of these physical and psychological complaints, and various exercise interventions are currently available after cancer treatment. To date, promising preliminary results concerning exercise programs in PBSCT recipients were published with limited sample size populations. Results of musculoskeletal outcomes in PBSCT recipients after cancer treatment are lacking.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Status after high-dose chemotherapy following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
• Willing to enter a physical exercise program
• Good understanding of the German language
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction in the previous six months
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Uncontrolled thyroid disease
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Diagnosis of depression before entering the study.