Effects of Physical Exercise Intervention on Psychological and Physical Fitness in Lymphoma Patients

Abstract

Background and objectives: Lymphoma patients experience a psychological and physiological decline that could be reversed by exercise. However, little is known about the effects of the exercise on psychological and physical fitness variables. Therefore, the purpose of this longitudinal study was to assess self-efficacy, fatigue and physical fitness before and after an eight-week exercise intervention. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six participants (54.4 ± 19.1 years) performed a supervised exercise program (~60 min, 2d·wk−1). Each session included a combined progressive training of cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility and postural education exercises. Self-efficacy and fatigue were measured with the Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy scale and 0–10 rating scale, respectively. Physical fitness was assessed with the body mass index, lower back flexibility, static balance, muscle strength and functional mobility. Results: Adherence to exercise was high (91.2% ± 4.8%) and no major health problems were noted in the patients over the intervention period. At baseline, significant differences were found between Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients by age and all dependent measures (p < 0.05). Fatigue significantly decreased and the perceived capability to regulate negative affect and to express positive emotions improved after exercise (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were found for body mass index, trunk lateral flexibility, monopodalic balance, isometric handgrip force and functional mobility (p < 0.001). Fatigue was significantly correlated with handgrip force (r = −0.56, p < 0.001) and functional mobility (r = −0.69, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The supervised exercise program improved psychological and physical fitness without causing adverse effects and health problems. Therefore, exercise to improve fitness levels and reduce perceived fatigue should be considered in the management of lymphoma patients.

An Anecdotal Case Report of Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia with del(11q) Treated with Ibrutinib: Artificial Nourishment and Physical Activity Program

“…However, randomized studies have shown the substantial improvement in QoL of cancer patients due to an adequate program of physical activity [23][24][25]34] and impact the cancer survival [7], since it reduces the peak oxygen consumption, improves physical capacity, increases self-esteem, reduces accumulated stress, and promotes relaxation [8,11]. Consequently, physical activity is strongly recommended for healthy individuals to improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone health, and in general to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, depression, and cognitive decline [11] The correct application of an exercise program may have a beneficial effect in onco-hematologic patients, since it may improve the function of the immune system (regulation of macrophages and natural killer cells interacting with cancer cells) [9,10] and provide a protective effect against cancer progression. In our clinical center, we encourage cancer patients, to progressively increase their physical activity, depending on their abilities and attitudes, according to the Cancer Patient Support Organizations such as the Lymphoma Action and includes walks, planned exercises, sports activities, domestic activities, and professional activities [26].…”

“…In these clinical cases, active and passive motor rehabilitation is necessary to maintain a muscle tone to favor an upright position and, whenever possible, walking capacity [7,8]. Subsequently, patients should be helped and then more in small steps or remained in an upright position with prolonged support [9,10]. The 2017 guidelines of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) recommend physical activity in neoplastic cachexia.…”

Effect of exercise on cancer-related fatigue: A systematic review

“…Several factors have been identified in research as contributing to fatigue, but it is still unclear what is most influent (Ryan et al, 2007). Physiological and psychosocial factors play a part in the specific mechanisms involved in the development of CRF (Ahlberg et al, 2003;Fischetti et al, 2019); an import contribute was made by muscular metabolism (Brown et al, 2005;Forsyth et al, 1999;Isaksson et al, 2002;Lane et al, 1998;Lee et al, 2003;McCully et al, 1996). For assessment and management of CRF, different scales and questionnaire were made (Cleeland et al, 1999;Mendoza et al, 1999;Piper, 1997;Piper et al, 1989;Piper et al, 1998;Schwartz, 1998;Schwart & Meek, 1999;Smets et al, 1995;Sutherland et al, 1999).…”

Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Diseases in an Elderly Population Who Underwent Cardiac Transplantation: Role of Physical Activity Rehabilitation Program

“…Training can produce extremely important effects, as older people use a considerable proportion of their functional capacity to perform even simple everyday activities [39]. Programs include aerobic exercise to increase muscle endurance, exercises to strengthen the extensor muscles of the legs (which support the ability to walk and get up from a chair), and the upper limbs, useful for carrying out household chores and other activities of daily life [40].…”