2024 Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 21-32
Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) often experience a decline in physical function related factors such as muscle strength and endurance, mental issues such as anxiety and depression, fatigue, and psychological effects due to post-transplant complications and inactivity associated with HSCT. This leads to a decrease in their ability to perform daily activities and quality of life (QOL). Exercise therapy during HSCT can help maintain physical function and QOL and reduce fatigue. Therefore, a program combining aerobic and strength training exercises should be included for these patients. However, exercise intensity and the program must be carefully considered for patients with anemia and low platelet counts, which may occur during the myelosuppression phase. This review highlights the benefits of exercise therapy for HSCT patients (primarily, allogeneic HSCT patients) and provides guidelines for risk management during exercise therapy interventions.
