Thepapeutic Exercise for Patients Before and After Bone Marrow Transplantation
The Sports Excellence Center, operating under the scientific supervision of the 1st Orthopaedic Surgery Department of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and with the exclusive donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), has made a significant contribution to elite sport, supporting pre-national teams, national teams, and Olympic athletes across a wide range of sports. Building on this experience, Sports Excellence introduces the Action for Bone Marrow Transplantation program.
What is Bone Marrow Transplantation?
Bone marrow transplantation, also known as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, is a therapeutic procedure in which the patient receives healthy hematopoietic cells with the aim of restoring bone marrow function. These cells may come either from the patient or from a compatible donor.
This procedure is commonly used in patients with hematological diseases and may be accompanied by treatments that affect physical fitness, muscle strength, endurance, and daily functioning.
Who is the Program for?
The program is designed for patients who:
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- are about to undergo bone marrow transplantation,
- have already undergone transplantation and are in the rehabilitation phase,
- experience reduced endurance, muscle weakness, fatigue, or difficulty with daily activities,
- have received medical clearance to participate in a therapeutic exercise program.
Participation is based on safety, individualization, and collaboration with the medical team.
The Benefits of Exercise
Therapeutic exercise can be an important part of supportive care before and after transplantation. When implemented with proper assessment and monitoring, it may contribute to:
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- maintaining or improving muscle strength,
- improving cardiorespiratory endurance,
- reducing fatigue,
- improving mobility and balance,
- better functioning in daily activities,
- improving quality of life,
- a safer and gradual return to a more active lifestyle.
Current research evidence indicates that exercise programs for patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation can be safe and may have a positive effect on function, fatigue, and quality of life.
Purpose: Providing an Individualized Program for Patients Before and After Bone Marrow Transplantation
Our aim is to provide a safe and effective exercise program for patients, improving their quality of life and physical health. This program aims to improve patients’ quality of life, enhance their physical and mental well-being, and support their medical treatment.
How the Therapeutic Exercise Center Operates
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- Assessment by a multidisciplinary team of specialists (Physician, Physiotherapist, Physical Education and Exercise Specialist, Psychologist)
- Monitoring of health and functional indicators
- Anthropometric assessment and body composition analysis
- Assessment of physical fitness level
- Start of the program – 3 times per week
- Creation of an electronic medical record
- Additional monitoring through electronic questionnaires
- At the end of each session, perceived fatigue and performance will be recorded
- Continuous feedback
- Upon completion of the program, recommendations are provided to support continued exercise
Safety as a Priority for Participants
All exercise sessions include continuous monitoring of participants’ vital signs, in order to ensure adherence to the recommended exercise framework.
Expected Outcome for Participants
Participants may improve their physical and mental condition, reduce pain, and alleviate treatment-related side effects.
The structure of the exercise programs has been developed according to recent scientific evidence and the guidelines of international organizations in the fields of oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Incorporating exercise into the patient’s daily life improves quality of life.
The strengths of the program are direct access and the implementation of individualized therapeutic exercise methods.