A single-arm feasibility study protocol for a multiphasic multimodal exercise prehabilitation intervention in individuals receiving allogeneic stem cell transplant.

Abstract

Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) can be a life-saving treatment for individuals diagnosed with acute leukemia. However, allo-HSCT can lead to adverse effects, such as reduced physical function. Exercise has demonstrated benefits in post-allo-HSCT recovery, but feasibility issues persist in tailored prehabilitation interventions.

Objective: To present a multiphasic exercise prehabilitation protocol.The study aims to assess feasibility, safety, and impact while establishing screening and referral pathways to community-based exercise oncology resources.

Design: Single arm feasibility study.

Participants: Individuals diagnosed with acute leukemia and eligible for allo-HSCT will be recruited for the study.

Intervention: Multimodal exercise and health behavior change support that will span across the allo-HSCT timeline (ie, pre-, during, and post-transplant phases). Clinical exercise physiologists trained in exercise oncology and health behavior change will deliver the intervention.

Main outcome measures: Assessment of physical function, self-reported and objective physical activity, quality of life, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and symptom burden across four timepoints (baseline, pre-transplant, post-transplant inpatient recovery, and post-transplant outpatient recovery).

Conclusions: This study is designed to address current limitations in prehabilitation literature specific to individuals with acute leukemia receiving allo-HSCT. In turn, this study may offer an approach to maintain or improve physical function and quality of life throughout the transplant continuum.