Exercise Decreases Fatigue in Leukemia Patients
Physical activity can significantly improve symptoms of fatigue and depression, increase cardiovascular endurance, and maintain quality of life in adult patients undergoing treatment for leukemia, say researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Department of Exercise and Sport Science and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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Aug 09, 2009 9:55 AM -
10 patients participated in an individualized exercise session while in the hospital for the 3-5 weeks of the induction phase of leukemia treatment. The exercise prescription comprised of aerobic and resistance exercises, core exercises, and light stretches tailored to the patient's level of fitness and leukemia symptoms. Upon their discharge from the hospital, each patient received an aerobic-based exercise prescription to use during their 2-week home recovery period.
Before and after the exercise program, the researchers tested key physiological measurements including resting heart rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin, body weight and height, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular endurance. Psychological measures were also tested.
The authors say that the patients "experienced significant reduction in total fatigue and depression scores, as well as improved cardiorespiratory endurance and maintenance of muscular endurance." The results of the EQUAL (Exercise and Quality of Life in Leukemia/ Lymphoma Patients) study recently were published in the journal
Integrative Cancer Therapies.
EQUAL phase II, a follow-up study, will consist of research to assess the effects on an individualized exercise prescription in patients with acute leukemia vs a group of patients with leukemia receiving the usual treatment. If the results prove to be beneficial to patients, the research team will work to expand the trial by developing a multi-site research program involving other cancer centers throughout North Carolina and around the United States.
