Exercise Prior to Allogeneic Hematologic Stem Cell Transplantation

Exercise Therapy for Patients Awaiting Allogeneic Hematological Stem Cell Transplantation

The investigators hypothesize that inactivity during the search for a donor may exacerbate current deconditioned states; subsequently, influencing risk factors for post-transplant complications that hinder the recovery phase.

This study is designed to investigate if exercise therapy administered prior to allogeneic hematologic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can influence physical and psychological side-effects associated with HSCT. Approximately 6-weeks prior to HSCT, individuals will be randomized into either an exercise group or usual care group and followed until one year after HSCT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Medical indication: allogeneic stem cell transplantation at Princess Margaret Hospital
• must be ambulatory without need for human assistance at time of recruitment
• medically cleared to exercise by the transplant physician
• demonstrates willingness to attend supervised sessions
• sufficient in English to ensure safety of understanding prescribed exercise guidelines, or has access to an adequate non-familial interpreter

Exclusion Criteria:

• another active malignancy
• less than 4 weeks till the scheduled HSCT
• refusal to be randomized
• does not have the approval of their transplant physician
• severe or unstable neurological, cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal disease or mental illness