title: Exercise in patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: lessons learned and results from a feasibility study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To test the feasibility and acceptability of a strength-training intervention in patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
  
  
  METHODS
  One-group prospective, repeated-measures design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic medical center in the midwestern United States.
  
  
  METHODS
  Convenience sample of 10 patients receiving HSCT.
  
  
  METHODS
  The strength-training intervention consisted of a comprehensive program of progressive resistance to strengthen the upper body, lower body, and abdominal muscles using elastic resistance bands. Instruction and low-intensity training began while the patients were hospitalized and progressed to a moderate level immediately following discharge from the hospital. Training continued for six weeks following hospital discharge.
  
  
  METHODS
  Acceptability of the strength-training intervention was evaluated via subjective assessment and by determining the patient's ability to perform the exercises. Feasibility was evaluated by determining the number of patients who were able to complete the prescribed strength intervention and whether the patients used elastic resistance bands.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The strength-training intervention was refined from an unsupervised, home-based program to a combination supervised and unsupervised program with weekly clinic visits. Patients reported that the exercises were very acceptable, although some started out at a very low intensity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of the strength-training intervention. The level of supervision required for the strength-training intervention was higher than expected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Strength training may be an effective intervention to alleviate problems with decreased physical activity, reduced muscle mass, and fatigue in HSCT recipients. Additional research is needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biobehavioral Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA. ehacker@uic.edu
authors.forename: Eileen Danaher
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Hacker
authors.forename: Janet L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Larson
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peace
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D019245:Compressive Strength; D005221:Fatigue / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life