Relaxation and exercise in lymphoma survivors (REIL study): a randomised clinical trial protocol

Abstract

Background: Lymphoma survivors commonly report ongoing complaints including fatigue, pain, depression and decreased quality of life (QoL) following treatment. Although evidence suggests that both relaxation and exercise can significantly improve such symptoms, there is no consensus on which intervention is more effective. This paper presents the REIL (Relaxation and Exercise In Lymphoma) Study protocol. The REIL study aims to compare the effect of two home-based interventionsrelaxation and exerciseon QoL in lymphoma survivors. Methods: Eligible participants (n = 36) will be randomised to a relaxation or exercise programme to perform at least three times per week. The primary outcome measure is QoL, assessed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Secondary outcome measures include body composition, cardiovascular status, pulmonary function, grip strength, functional exercise capacity (six minute walk test), well-being assessed by the FACT-Lym questionnaire, and psychological status assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Total duration of the study will be twelve weeks and outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, six weeks and at the end of the study. Discussion: It is anticipated that results from this preliminary study will begin to highlight effective pathways to improve QoL following chemotherapy for this population. This will better inform healthcare professionals to optimise QoL of lymphoma patients, and enable a smooth transition from being a cancer patient to survivor.

Effect of the Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Anxiety and Depression Status of COVID-19 Patients Treated in Fangcang Hospitals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…An audio-video mindfulness designed by experts was produced to guide patients through relaxation techniques incorporating mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, body scanning and progressive muscle relaxation. 31 , 32 The content was selected from the traditional MBSR exercise, which may have been shorter in duration compared to the traditional protocol because of the limited length of hospitalization, and the content did not cover all of it. 20 , 33 However, our protocol focused on the components that were most relevant to the issues that patients isolated in the Fangcang hospitals faced during the studied COVID-19 period.…”