Evaluating the effects of exercise protocols in hospitalized onco-hematological patients: a systematic review.

Introduction: Physical activity is associated with improved functionality, independence and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing active treatment. Exercises can be prescribed to improve patient outcomes.

Objective: Evaluate the effects of applied exercise protocols on functional capacity, quality of life, fatigue and muscle strength in hospitalized onco-hematological patients compared to conventional treatment.

Method: Systematic literature review carried out in PUBMED, EMBASE and Scopus databases with the following descriptors: Hematological neoplasms AND Exercise Therapy AND Hospitalization, in November 2023. Studies with adult inpatients with hematological neoplasms who performed an exercise protocol in the intervention group were included.

Results: After applying the eligibility criteria, 9 articles were included in the review, 7 of which were randomized clinical trials and 6 were carried out on transplant patients. The most commonly assessed outcome was functional capacity, followed by muscle strength and quality of life, and ending with an assessment of fatigue. Studies have shown positive results for patients, especially those that combine resistance and aerobic exercise protocols.

Conclusion: An exercise protocol for patients with onco-hematological diseases can improve the outcomes analyzed. Aerobic and resistance exercises should be performed, but more studies are needed to assess the time and doses required for each activity.