title: Effects of a combined aerobic and strength training program in youth patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
abstract: Cure rates of youth with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) have increased in the past decades, but survivor's quality of life and physical fitness has become a growing concern. Although previous reports showed that resistance training is feasible and effective, we hypothesized that a more intense exercise program would also be feasible, but more beneficial than low- to moderate-intensity training programs. We aimed to examine the effects of an exercise program combining high-intensity resistance exercises and moderate-intensity aerobic exercises in young patients undergoing treatment for ALL. A quasi-experimental study was conducted. The patients (n = 6; 5-16 years of age) underwent a 12-week intra-hospital training program involving high-intensity strength exercises and aerobic exercise at 70% of the peak oxygen consumption. At baseline and after 12 weeks, we assessed sub-maximal strength (10 repetition-maximum), quality of life and possible adverse effects. A significant improvement was observed in the sub maximal strength for bench press (71%), lat pull down (50%), leg press (73%) and leg extension (64%) as a result of the training (p < 0.01). The parents' evaluations of their children's quality of life revealed an improvement in fatigue and general quality of life, but the children's self-reported quality of life was not changed. No adverse effects occurred. A 12-week in-hospital training program including high-intensity resistance exercises promotes marked strength improvements in patients during the maintenance phase of the treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia without side-effects. Parents' evaluations of their children revealed an improvement in the quality of life. Key pointsPatients with ALL present low muscle strength and poor quality of life.High-intensity resistance exercises combined with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise improved muscle strength and quality of life during the maintenance phase of ALL treatment.The exercise training program seemed to be tolerable and safe in ALL patients.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Maria Beatriz
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Perondi
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gualano
authors.forename: Guilherme Gianini
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Artioli
authors.forename: Vítor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: de Salles Painelli
authors.forename: Vicente Odone
authors.initials: VO
authors.lastname: Filho
authors.forename: Gabrieli
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Netto
authors.forename: Mavi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muratt
authors.forename: Hamilton
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Roschel
authors.forename: Ana Lúcia
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: de Sá Pinto
keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; child; pediatrics; quality of life; strength training