Feasibility of a tailored and virtually supported home exercise program for people with multiple myeloma using a novel eHealth application

Context: Exercise could alleviate significant morbidity in people with multiple myeloma (MM), but current exercise guidelines may not be appropriate for this unique population.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week home exercise program for people with MM.
Methods: A single group pre/post feasibility study was conducted. Participants completed a 12-week virtually-supported home exercise program involving live group classes, independent workouts, and aerobic exercise. Prescriptions were progressed to the 2019 Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors. Participants completed a virtual fitness assessment and questionnaires at baseline (BL) and week 12 (12WK).
Results: Twenty-nine participants consented, 26 completed all follow-up testing (89.7%). Adherence was 89.9% (group), 82.7% (independent), and 89.7% (aerobic). No serious adverse events (grade ≥3) occurred. Adverse events involved back pain: grade 1 (n=2), grade 2 (n=1), grade 2/3 (n=1). Significant improvements included quality of life (FACT-MM) [BL: 111±23 vs 12WK: 118±19, p=0.0332], thirty-second sit-to-stand [BL: 13.1±4.5 repetitions vs 12WK: 15.8±4.3 repetitions, p<0.0001], plank hold [BL: 78.3±46.0s vs 12WK: 119.9±73.4s, p=0.0002] and timed single leg stance [BL: 23.1±13.3s vs 12WK: 31.8±12.6s, p=0.0002]. No significant change in median total symptom burden (ESAS) [BL: 10.5, range: 0-43, vs 12WK: 12, range: 0-35, p=0.8193] occurred.
Conclusion: The program was feasible and no serious exercise-related adverse occurred. Programs features including supervision, active support, and knowledgeable personnel facilitated feasibility. The findings from this study warrant investigation using a large-scale randomized controlled trial.