Multiple myeloma and physical activity

Abstract

Objective Physical activity has been shown to improve quality of life in cancer patients with some evidence in multiple myeloma. This study aimed to determine myeloma patients’ exercise levels, their perception of physical activity, and to explore correlations with quality of life. Myeloma outpatients were invited to complete a number of questionnaires, including the Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire (GLTEQ) to determine their exercise levels, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) questionnaire to assess health related quality of life, and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) questionnaire to assess fatigue. Results Of the 65 respondents, 75% would like to increase their exercise level. Weakness, fatigue and pain were the most commonly perceived barriers to physical activity. 59% would like to receive physical activity advice. Only 25% were deemed active based on their GLTEQ scores. Finally, there was a significant positive correlation between the GLTEQ score and the FACT-G score (p < 0.001). Results highlight an unmet exercise need in myeloma patients. Current practice should be reviewed to develop a more holistic care model that incorporates tailored exercise advice or programme.

High patient satisfaction and increased physical activity following a remote multidisciplinary team multiple myeloma clinic

“…A notable outcome was the increase in physical activity post-PrISMS clinic, as evident in the significant increase in patients' GLTEQ scores. We have previously shown that the majority of MM patients have low GLTEQ scores [11], which is demonstrated again here in the low pre-PrISMS GLTEQ scores. This underlines the low levels of exercise in our patients, likely due to existing myeloma bone complications and the fear of exacerbating these when exercising.…”

“…It has been shown to correlate significantly with social, functional, mental and sexual well-being, as well as lower pain and fatigue scores. We also demonstrated in our previous studies that higher exercise levels were associated with better QoL and that exercise intervention could improve muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness [ 9 – 11 ]. Moreover, the U.K.…”

“…Independent Cancer Taskforce recommended in its strategy that all cancer patients should receive tailored PA advice. MM patients have expressed their desire to receive PA advice [ 11 ] and are more confident to exercise under the supervision of a physiotherapist experienced in working with myeloma [ 9 , 10 ]. This is confirmed by the high percentage (90%) of PrISMS patients receiving PT advice during the study period.…”

“…With a high proportion of MM patients suffering from bone destruction [ 8 ], some may be fearful to exercise despite its benefits and require professional supervision to promote this safely [ 9 , 10 ]. Our previous work revealed that most myeloma patients had low self-reported PA levels and high fatigue levels [ 11 ]. We demonstrated an association between higher exercise levels and better HRQOL, as well as lower fatigue levels.…”

“…Majority of participants would like to improve their level of PA and to receive PA advice from a healthcare professional. This suggests an awareness of the possible benefits of exercise and an unmet survivorship need [ 11 ]. Furthermore, our group demonstrated that exercise programmes were safe for myeloma survivors, with objective health benefits including improved muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness and fatigue [ 9 , 10 ].…”