# Therapeutic Exercises During Hospitalization in Oncohematological Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

## TL;DR

A study found that adding aerobic and resistance exercises to hospital care helped onco-hematological patients with pain and breathing, but had no effect on fatigue or muscle strength.

## Contribution

This study introduces a combined aerobic and resistance exercise protocol for hospitalized onco-hematological patients and evaluates its specific effects on multiple health outcomes.

## Key findings

- The intervention group experienced significant improvements in dyspnea and pain compared to the control group.
- Emotional functioning and insomnia improved in the intervention group.
- No significant changes were observed in fatigue, muscle strength, or functional capacity between groups.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Therapeutic exercises during hospitalization may provide important benefits for onco-hematological patients. However, the most effective protocols and outcomes for evaluation remain unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a structured exercise program during hospitalization. Methods: We conducted a randomized clinical trial with hospitalized onco-hematological patients. The control group performed conventional exercises, while the intervention group received a combined program of aerobic and resistance training. Outcomes included functional capacity, muscle strength, quality of life, and fatigue, assessed at admission and discharge. The sample size was calculated for a moderate effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.50; α = 0.05; power = 80%), yielding a target of 35 participants per group. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance, followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in dyspnea (p = 0.017) and pain (p = 0.024) compared with the control group. In addition, reductions in insomnia (p = 0.021) and improvements in emotional functioning (p = 0.024) were observed. No significant between-group differences were found for fatigue, muscle strength, or functional capacity. Conclusions: A short-term program of aerobic and resistance exercises was safe and improved pain and dyspnea in hospitalized onco-hematological patients, with additional favorable effects on insomnia and emotional function. However, no significant effects were detected in fatigue, muscle strength, or functional capacity, likely due to the short hospitalization period and limited number of sessions. Future studies should consider longer interventions and post-discharge follow-up to clarify the sustainability of these benefits.