Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with resistance exercises on muscle strength in adult hematological cancer patients: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

ObjectiveWe compared the effects of resistance exercise (REx) and resistance exercise combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES+REx) on muscle strength, functional lower extremity strength, and mobility in hematological cancer patients during chemotherapy. MethodsForty-three adult patients were recruited and randomized into the REx group versus personalized and progressive NMES+REx. The lower extremity muscle strength (digital hand dynamometer) test and functional and mobility tests [30-s sit-to-stand test, Timed Up and Go test (TUG)] were performed pre-and postintervention. ResultsThe Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-Performance Score (ECOG-PS) of 90% of all patients was ≥2. Increases in steroid dose after transplantation were associated with decreases in hip flexion and knee extension muscle strength values (respectively; rs:-0.468, p:0.008; rs:-0.527, p: 0.002). There was a significant improvement in strength measurement, functional and mobility tests, and ECOG-PS in both groups (p<0.05). The NMES+REx group had significantly higher hip flexion and knee extension values than the REx group (respectively; p=0.001; p=0.048). ConclusionREx training given to hematological cancer patients receiving intensive chemotherapy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation improved muscle weakness. The combination of NMES training with resistance exercises resulted in significant results comparable to REx training alone in adult hematological patients with moderate-low ECOG-PS.