Effects of a physiotherapeutic protocol in cardiorespiratory, muscle strength, aerobic capacity and quality of life after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

• Published in: Hematology, Transfusion and Cell Therapy Vol. 45; no. 2; pp. 154 - 158
• Main Authors: Morais, Natalia IGV, Palhares, Luciana Campanatti, Miranda, Eliana CM, Lima, Carmen SP, De Souza, Carmino A, Vigorito, Afonso C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Brazil Elsevier España, S.L.U 01.04.2023; Sociedade Brasileira de Hematologia e Hemoterapia; Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular (ABHH); Elsevier
• Subjects: Functional capacity; HSCT; MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL; Original; Physiotherapy; Quality of life; HSCT; Physiotherapy; Quality of life; Functional capacity
• ISSN: 2531-1379; 2531-1387; 2531-1387
• DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2021.08.003

To analyze the effects of hospital cardiorespiratory physical therapy protocol on the functional capacity and quality of life of patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). From January to December 2019, bilateral dynamometry, Manovacuometry and Ventilometry, peak expiratory flow "Peak Flow", 6-min walk test (6MWT), SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were applied in patients who have undergone an allogeneic or autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), pre-conditioning (initial evaluation) and pre-discharge (final evaluation). The patients were submitted to an intervention protocol, consisting of aerobic training, muscle strengthening and respiratory muscle training, between the two assessments. 29 patients were enrolled in the study and 24 (83%) completed all procedure. Myeloablative and reduced intensity conditioning were performed in 89.6% and 10.4%, respectively; 17 (58%) patients have undergone an autologous HSCT; 10 (35%) identical related allogeneic HSCT, and 2 (7%) haploidentical allogeneic HSCT. The median number of interventions per patient was 3 (1–9). A decreasing in the right and left dynamometry (p  ≤ 0.0001 and 0.002, respectively) and, also in the distance covered in the 6MWT (p  = 0.004), was observed after HSCT. There was no significant difference in respiratory muscle strength, quality of life and fatigue sensation. Cardiorespiratory rehabilitation can preserve functional capacity and quality of life.