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

Objective: We 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. Methods: Forty-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. Results: The 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; r(s):-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). Conclusion: REx training given to hematological cancer patients receiving intensive chemotherapy after he-matopoietic 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.