Research article - (2012)11, 387 - 392
Effects of a Combined Aerobic and Strength Training Program in Youth Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Maria Beatriz Perondi1,, Bruno Gualano1,2, Guilherme Gianini Artioli2, Vítor de Salles Painelli1, Vicente Odone Filho1, Gabrieli Netto1, Mavi Muratt1, Hamilton Roschel1,2, Ana Lúcia de Sá Pinto1
1School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
2School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Maria Beatriz Perondi
✉ University of Sao Paulo, School of Medicine. Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
Email: biap@uol.com.br
Received: 22-12-2011 -- Accepted: 04-05-2012
Published (online): 01-09-2012

ABSTRACT

Cure rates of youth with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) have increased in the past decades, but survivor’s quality of life and physical fitness has become a growing concern. Although previous reports showed that resistance training is feasible and effective, we hypothesized that a more intense exercise program would also be feasible, but more beneficial than low- to moderate-intensity training programs. We aimed to examine the effects of an exercise program combining high-intensity resistance exercises and moderate-intensity aerobic exercises in young patients undergoing treatment for ALL. A quasi-experimental study was conducted. The patients (n = 6; 5-16 years of age) underwent a 12-week intra-hospital training program involving high-intensity strength exercises and aerobic exercise at 70% of the peak oxygen consumption. At baseline and after 12 weeks, we assessed sub-maximal strength (10 repetition-maximum), quality of life and possible adverse effects. A significant improvement was observed in the sub maximal strength for bench press (71%), lat pull down (50%), leg press (73%) and leg extension (64%) as a result of the training (p < 0.01). The parents’ evaluations of their children’s quality of life revealed an improvement in fatigue and general quality of life, but the children’s self-reported quality of life was not changed. No adverse effects occurred. A 12-week in-hospital training program including high-intensity resistance exercises promotes marked strength improvements in patients during the maintenance phase of the treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia without side-effects. Parents’ evaluations of their children revealed an improvement in the quality of life.

Key words: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, child, strength training, pediatrics, quality of life

Key Points
  • Patients with ALL present low muscle strength and poor quality of life.
  • High-intensity resistance exercises combined with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise improved muscle strength and quality of life during the maintenance phase of ALL treatment.
  • The exercise training program seemed to be tolerable and safe in ALL patients.








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