Effect Of Physical Exercise Intervention Program On Lifestyle And Bio-psychological Variables In Haematological Cancer Patients

PURPOSE Haematological cancer patients bring with them bio-psychological side e!ects and physical activity is emerging as a major tool to improve their quality of life and survival. The purpose of this study was to investigate the e!ect of a short-term combined exercise intervention program on psychological and physiological variables in haematological cancer patients. METHODS: Fifteen participants (40-60 years) met all the eligibility criteria and were assigned to an exercise group that performed an 8-week intervention program (~60min, 2d·wk-1). Each session included a progressive training of cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility and postural educationexercises. Measures pre-intervention and post-intervention were conducted at week 1 and 8, respectively. Adherence to exercise was high (92.3 ± 5.2%) and no major health problems were noted in the participants over intervention period. RESULTS: Perceived fatigue significantly decreased (p < 0.001; -27.7%), and perceived capability to regulate negative a!ect (p < 0.001; +18.2%) and to express positive emotions (p < 0.01; +11.8%) improved between the pre and post-study measurements. BMI significantly decreased (p < 0.05, -1.7%) and highly significant increases were observed in the trunk lateral flexibility test (L: p < 0.001; -13.2%; R: p < 0.001; -12.8%), stork balance stand test (L: p < 0.001, +30.1%; R: p < 0.001, +66.7%), and in the number of standing up and sitting down from a chair within 30 seconds (p < 0.001; +20.4%). CONCLUSION: Short-term combined exercise program may improve the physical fitness, functional capacity, capability to manage emotional life and reduce levels of perceived fatigue in cancer patients providing an important support to deal the physiological and psychological side e!ects.