A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Effects of a home-based exercise program on metabolic risk factors and fitness in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia




AuthorsJärvelä Liisa S., Kemppainen Jukka, Niinikoski Harri, Hannukainen Jarna C., Lähteenmäki Päivi M., Kapanen Jukka, Arola Mikko, Heinonen Olli J.

PublisherWiley

Publication year2012

JournalPediatric Blood and Cancer

Volume59

Issue1

First page 155

Last page160

Number of pages6

ISSN1545-5009

eISSN1545-5017

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1002/pbc.24049


Abstract

Background: Long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The prevalence of insulin resistance and other cardiometabolic risk factors is increased in ALL survivors, and insufficient physical activity (PA) and low cardiopulmonary fitness are common. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a simple, inexpensive home-based exercise program on cardiometabolic risk factors and fitness in long-term ALL survivors.



Prodcedure: Seventeen 16- to 30-year-old survivors of childhood ALL (age at diagnosis ≤16 years) were recruited to a 16-week home-based exercise program. Peak oxygen uptake (VO(2 peak)), muscle strength, and metabolic risk factors were studied before and after the exercise program.



Results: Fasting plasma insulin (P = 0.01), HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment, insulin resistance) (P = 0.002), waist circumference (P = 0.003), waist-to-hip ratio (P = 0.002), fat percent (P = 0.04), and supine diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.03) decreased during the program, while weight and body mass index remained unchanged. VO(2 peak) and maximal work load (W/kg) improved by 5% (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) during the exercise program. The results of the Sit-Up test, Back extensor test, and Full Squatting test improved as well (P = 0.01, P = 0.002, and P = 0.0004, respectively).



Conclusions: A simple home-based exercise program was effective in improving cardiometabolic risk factor status and fitness in young adult survivors of childhood ALL. Simple exercise programs should be recommended to this population with increased risk of CVD to improve metabolic risk factor status and fitness.



Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 12:16