Feasibility and safety of short-duration aerobic training in non-hematological cancer patients hospitalized for chemotherapy treatment.

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is feasible and safe for inpatients with non-hematological cancer receiving one cycle of chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate adherence, compliance, acceptability, adverse events, and clinical stability during a short-term moderate-intensity aerobic training in non-hematological inpatients undergoing one cycle of chemotherapy.

METHODS

This feasibility and safety study included adults with non-hematological cancer inpatients receiving one cycle of chemotherapy. Patients participated in four consecutive days of moderate-intensity aerobic training using a cycle ergometer, during which vital signs and perceived exertion were monitored. Following the intervention, patients were assessed for the acceptability of intervention. Adherence rates, compliance, and adverse events related to the training were also recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (mean age 61 ± 15 years, mean BMI 25 ± 8 kg/m2; 75% with digestive cancers, 50% physically active) were analyzed. Adherence to the intervention was 92%, compliance was 68.6%, and acceptability was reported at 100%. Vital signs and perceived exertion remained stable throughout all training sessions (heart rate P = .99, peripheral O2 saturation P = .54, mean arterial blood pressure P = .79, sensation of dyspnea P = .97). Two patients reported adverse events during training (vomiting and extreme fatigue), while three experienced adverse effects post-training (tremor, nausea, and back pain).

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term moderate-intensity aerobic training for inpatients with non-hematological cancer undergoing one cycle of chemotherapy is feasible and safe.