Pilot study of an inpatient physical activity intervention for older adults treated intensively for acute myeloid leukemia

Interventions to maintain physical function during treatment may improve outcomes for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We tested the feasibility of a randomized physical activity (PA) intervention among older adults (aged ≥60 years) receiving induction chemotherapy for newly diagnosed AML, and estimated the effect on physical function, quality of life (QOL), and symptoms. Intervention participants were offered PA sessions 5 days per week, tailored daily to symptoms during the induction hospitalization, along with weekly behavioral counseling sessions that continued monthly by phone for 6 months. The primary outcome was feasibility (recruitment, retention, and participation). The key secondary outcome of interest was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). SPPB score was assessed at baseline, weekly during hospitalization, and at 3 and 6 months. Among 96 eligible patients, 70 enrolled (mean age, 72.1 ± 6.3 years [range, 60-88]). Primary feasibility targets were met, with a recruitment rate of 72%, adherence of 74%, and average participation of 3 sessions per week. Among survivors, the retention rates were 96% and 95% at 3 (n = 51/53) and 6 (n = 42/44) months, respectively. In exploratory analyses, SPPB scores were maintained or improved in 38% of intervention participants vs 25% of controls at end of induction (n = 66; P = .21). There were no differences between groups in QOL or symptoms. A PA intervention with behavioral counseling during induction was feasible for older adults receiving intensive therapy for AML. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT01519596.