Coleman, E. A., Coon, S., Hall-Barrow, J., Richards, K., Gaylor, D., & Stewart, B. (2003). Feasibility of exercise during treatment for multiple myeloma. Cancer Nursing, 26, 410–419.

A home-based exercise program was used that included aerobic and resistance training. The exercise group received an individualized exercise prescription, with strength levels and aerobic capacity at first testing. The control group received usual care. Outcomes were exercise, fatigue, mood, and sleep.

• The sample was comprised of 24 Caucasian patients (10 women, 14 men).
• Mean age was 55 years.
• Patients were on high-dose chemotherapy and were receiving peripheral blood stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma (with bone involvement).

• Outpatient
• Cancer research center
• Midwestern United States

Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.

The study was a pilot feasibility, randomized, controlled trial.

• A wrist actigraph was used to measure latency, minutes of sleep at night, percent of time asleep at night, number of nighttime awakenings, frequency of daytime naps, minutes of sleep during the daytime, and total minutes of sleep during each 24-hour period.
• The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) also was used.

The feasibility of an individualized exercise program for patients receiving aggressive treatment for multiple myeloma was determined.

• The study had a small sample size.
• The study had a 42% attrition rate; equal attrition was noted in both groups.
• Valid and reliable sleep latency is difficult to determine from actigraphy.
• The test is time consuming and a burden to patients.
• An exercise testing facility is needed.