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Psychosocial Study

Pilot study of a multimodal intervention: mixed-type exercise and psychoeducation in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 40, pages 793–800 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Substantial physical and functional deconditioning and diminished psychological wellbeing are all potential adverse effects of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and benefits (physical and functional capacity) of a 4–6 week supervised and structured mixed-type exercise, progressive relaxation and psychoeducation programme in patients undergoing allo-HSCT. Nineteen patients were randomized to an intervention or a conventional care group (CC) and were tested for physical and functional capacity before admission and upon hospital discharge. In all, 14 patients completed all study requirements (74%) and no adverse reactions that could be attributed to the intervention were observed. At the time of discharge, the intervention group showed significant improvements in several muscle strength scores as compared to the CC group; chest press (P=0.023), leg extension (P=0.007) and isometric right knee flexor (P=0.033). The intervention proved feasible, safe and well tolerated in this small sample of patients undergoing allo-HSCT. An intervention of this type may be a useful strategy for maintaining or improving muscle strength, and minimizing loss of physical and functional capacity in patients undergoing allo-HSCT.

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the study participants, the staff and administration at the Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Copenhagen. This research was supported by grants from The Lundbeck Foundation, The Novo Nordic Foundation, The Danish Cancer Society, The Copenhagen Hospital Corporation and The Danish Nursing Society.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Haematology, The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    M Jarden & D Hovgaard

  2. The University Hospital's Centre for Nursing and Care Research, The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    M Jarden, M Quist & L Adamsen

  3. Department of Psychosocial Cancer Research, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark

    E Boesen

  4. University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark

    L Adamsen

Authors
  1. M Jarden
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  2. D Hovgaard
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  3. E Boesen
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  4. M Quist
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  5. L Adamsen
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Correspondence to M Jarden.

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Jarden, M., Hovgaard, D., Boesen, E. et al. Pilot study of a multimodal intervention: mixed-type exercise and psychoeducation in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 40, 793–800 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bmt.1705807

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