Aerobic Versus Resistive Training on Functional Capacity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Impact of Aerobic Versus Resistive Training on Functional Capacity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Survivors; a Comparative Study

Sixty patients with AML from both sexes aged from 35-45 years were selected from hematology department in Nasser Institute Hospital where the study was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups equal in number. Group (A) underwent aerobic exercises in the form of cycling with 50-60% of maximum heart rate. Group (B) underwent resistive training conducted in the form of a series of exercises using free weights, and dumbles. Sessions were conducted three times /week for eight weeks. Six minutes' walk test (6MWT), 10 repetitions maximum test (10 RM), ventilatory function test, fatigue and quality of life (QOL) scales were used to assess functional capacity in both groups.

Aerobic Ex Group: Included 30 patients who underwent aerobic training with 50 %-60% of maximum heart rate in the form of cycling by Bicycle ergometer for eight weeks, three sessions/week.

Resistive Ex Group: Included 30 patients who underwent a resistive training which were conducted in the form of a series of exercises using free weights, and dumbles to increase the strength of arms, pectoral muscles, abdominal, back muscles and gluteal region. Patients carried out three sets of 20-30 dynamic repetitions or static isometric exercises for 40-60 seconds for each muscle group and rested 1-2 min between series. Sessions were conducted three sessions/week for eight weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Acute myeloid leukemia survivors from both sexes
• Their age ranged from 35-45 years.
• Patients were in remission stage contains less than 5% blast cells in their bone marrow, absolute neutrophil count (>1000/microL), platelet count(>100,000/microL),and independence from red cell transfusion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Extramedullary leukemia
• musculoskeletal deformities
• severe anemia (hemoglobin less than 8g/dl).
• Autoimmune thrombocytopenia (platelets less than 10000UL or leucocytes count more than 3000UL).