“PREHABILITATION” FOR HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANT PEDIATRIC
CANCER PATIENTS
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is associated with significant
physical debility. Studies have suggested that physical activity can
improve endurance and strength. However, studies have not yet
investigated “prehabilitation,” exercise before HSCT, to improve
functional outcomes. We describe the impact of exercise therapy on
physical debility in children undergoing HSCT to inform implementation
of prehabilitation. This review was conducted through a search of the
electronic database PubMed. Articles included were those with original
research, including randomized control trials, prospective studies, case
controls, and retrospective studies. Eleven of the 191 resulted studies
met our review criteria. None focused on prehabilitation, but instead on
interventions during HSCT. Ten studies showed improvement or maintenance
of strength, endurance, stretching, or aerobic fitness. This review
shows that exercise therapy can positively affect outcomes in patients
undergoing HSCT. Further investigations are needed to determine if
prehabilitation has better results than concurrent exercise.