Feasibility and Acceptability of a Home-based Resistance Training
Intervention in Adolescent and Young Adult Hematopoietic Cell Transplant
Survivors
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent and young adult (AYA) hematopoietic cell
transplantation (HCT) survivors are at increased risk of metabolic
syndrome and lean body mass (LBM) deficits. Resistance training (RT) is
a potential intervention to improve LBM, metabolic fitness and reduce
risk of cardiovascular disease. PROCEDURE Eligible participants ages
13-39 years, 80-120 days post-HCT, transfusion independent, and
prednisone dose <1 mg/kg/day were approached. Baseline
assessments of body composition (DXA), anthropometrics and strength
testing were completed and participants were taught a 12-week,
home-based RT intervention with weekly remote coaching. Follow-up
assessments were at day +200 (FU1) and +365 post-HCT (FU2). Feasibility
targets were 1) 60% enrollment of approached patients, 2) 80%
completion of weekly phone calls and 3) 80% completion of the RT
intervention and FU1 assessments. Acceptability was measured by
recommendation of the intervention to an AYA HCT survivor. RESULTS
Twenty of 31 (65%) eligible AYAs enrolled. Two participants failed to
complete baseline measurements (1=scheduling barriers, 1=passive
refusal) and 4 participants who completed baseline assessments did not
receive the intervention (2=medical reasons, 2=no longer interested). Of
the 13 who received the intervention, 11 (85%) completed FU1 and
completed 88.5% of coaching calls. LBM (kg) increased or remained
unchanged in 9/9 participants with complete body composition data at FU1
(mean 1.1 kg; 95%CI: 0.4,1.9). All participants who completed FU1
reported they would recommend the intervention to an AYA HCT survivor.
CONCLUSIONS A home-based RT intervention in AYA HCT survivors early post
HCT is both feasible and acceptable and may maintain or increase LBM.