 | Author(s) | | | Coleman EA, Coon S, Hal-Barrow J, Richards K, Gaylor D, Stewart B |
| Publication | | | Cancer Nursing |
| Reference | | | Vol. 26 (5) |
| Publication Date | | | 2003 |
|  |  Relevant to nurses in haemotolgy caring for patients with Multiple Myeoma
 | What is the problem and what is known about it so far? |
Fatigue is a major problem for patients with cancer; this fatigue can impact on mood, sleep energy and lifestyle.
| Why did the researchers do this particular study? |
Previous research findings have shown that aerobic exercise decreases cancer related fatigue, however, the studies have been undertaken in breast cancer. The researchers identified a need to test the feasibility and effectiveness of exercise for patients with bone involvement and, the impact this exercise would have on the patient's fatigue.
| Who was studied? |
24 patients with Multiple Myeloma who were preparing to undergo high dose therapy with double autologous peripheral blood stem cell rescue in the outpatient setting.
| How was the study done? |
A randomized 2 group controlled experimental design (feasibility study) with repeated measures was used over a 6 month period. The inclusion criteria were patients over 40 who were not at risk of pathological fractures (defined by MRI and plain X rays), undergoing double transplantation for multiple Myeloma in the outpatient setting. Both groups underwent base line observations. The group randomized to home based exercise received an individualized exercise program (aerobic and strength resistance). The control group received best usual practice. Patients were asked to keep an exercise log and the control group kept an activity log. Fatigue and mood disturbance were assessed using the POMS fatigue-inertia adjective rating scale. Sleep was measured using the actigraph monitor and patient's perceptions were measured on the Epworth sleepiness scale. Lean body weight was assessed using air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod) Muscle strength and aerobic capacity were tested using 4 strength tests.
| What were the findings? |
The exercise group maintained lean body weight, gained muscle strength, had a decrease in fatigue, reduction in mood scores, increase in sleep and reduction in daytime sleepiness. The control group lost lean body weight, lost muscle strength, mood disturbance decreased, sleep decreased and daytime sleepiness increased.
| What are the limitations? |
This is a small study, which as the authors identify cannot be generalised, however the results from this study are encouraging and further study of larger groups and wider disease would be beneficial.
| What are the implications? |
By providing an individualized exercise plan patients undergoing treatments could reduce fatigue and maintain body mass, which will impact on their overall quality of life.
Comment by: Tracey Burgoyne, Lecturer Practitioner Cancer Care, University of Central England, Birmingham, 2004.
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