Is it possible to increase the amount of physical activity in patients isolated due to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using a nursing intervention? A feasibility study

Abstract

Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are isolated and commonly bedridden. Our aim was to investigate whether a nursing intervention is feasible to increase physical activity after a stem cell transplantation, compared to standard care. A secondary aim was to compare quality of life between the groups. A non-equivalent group pretest-posttest design was applied. Twenty-two patients were included in the standard care group and 21 in the intervention group. The intervention comprised physical activity support pre transplantation, daily during hospital stay, and 14 days post discharge. An activity diary, metabolic equivalent of tasks, the six-minute walking test and the FACT-Anaemia Scale were used for evaluation. This study is reported in accordance with the CONSORT statement. The intervention group was more physically active, walked further in six minutes and seemed to have a slightly better quality of life compared to patients receiving standard care. The nursing intervention increased physical activity and may be associated with a better quality of life in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.