Can Exercise Training Improve the Quality of Life and Physical Function in Multiple Myeloma Patients?: Discussing the Progression of the Training Stimulus

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported no improvements in quality of life or physical function following exercise training in patients with multiple myeloma, without a clear explanation. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of an exercise-training intervention on these outcomes and to determine whether the observed results could be explained by the characteristics of the training program. METHODS: Sixteen patients with multiple myeloma who had completed first-line induction therapy were assigned to two groups. One group (2 men, 6 women, 52.6 ± 10.3 years) commenced maintenance therapy only, while the other group (2 men, 6 women, 58.8 ± 7.1 years) initiated maintenance therapy combined with a supervised exercise training program conducted twice per week. Each exercise session included 30 min of cycling and seven resistance exercises targeting the major muscle groups. The intervention lasted 4.4 ± 1 months. QoL, the six-minute walking test, handgrip strength, maximal aerobic power, maximum isometric contraction across 14 positions, and bone density were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: = 0.076). QoL and maximal aerobic power remained unchanged in both groups, while maximal isometric strength increased significantly in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The progression of the training stimulus appears to be inconsistent in this specific population, potentially limiting improvements in quality of life and physical function outcomes. Supervision appears to be necessary for exercise training in patients with multiple myeloma. Future research should investigate alternative exercise modalities in these patients.