SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER, cilt.32, ss.72-94, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Purpose During hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), patients' exercise capacity and quality of life (QOL) are impaired. Exercise training is recommended to preserve cardiorespiratory fitness during the compelling HSCT period. However, studies investigating the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in HSCT recipients are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of two different PR programs on maximal exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, pulmonary function, and QOL.Methods This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, triple-blinded study. Thirty hospitalized patients undergoing HSCT were randomized to the pulmonary rehabilitation plus inspiratory muscle training (PR + IMT) group and the PR group. PR group performed upper extremity aerobic exercise training (AET) and progressive resistance exercise training (PRET), PR + IMT group performed IMT in addition to the upper extremity AET and PRET. Maximal exercise capacity (cardiopulmonary exercise testing), respiratory muscle strength (mouth pressure device, (MIP and MEP)) and respiratory muscle endurance (threshold loading test), pulmonary function (spirometry), and QOL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30) were evaluated before HSCT and after discharge.Results Changes in pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and QOL were similar within groups (p > 0.05). The MEP, peak oxygen consumption, and oxygen pulse significantly decreased in both groups (p < 0.05).Conclusion Pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, and QOL preserved after HSCT. Expiratory muscle strength and maximal exercise capacity decreased even though PR during HSCT. Breathing reserve and restriction improved in the PR + IMT group. In addition, minute ventilation and dyspnea were preserved in the PR + IMT group, while these values were worsened during two structured PR programs. Therefore, PR should be applied in accordance with the patient's current clinical and hematologic status to patients undergoing HSCT.ClinicalTrials.gov (19/07/2018, NCT03625063).