Pilot study of an inpatient physical activity intervention for older adults treated intensively for acute myeloid leukemia. Open Access

• A symptom-adapted physical activity intervention during intensive induction is feasible for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia.

• A physical activity intervention during induction chemotherapy may attenuate decline in function but requires further study.

Interventions to maintain physical function during treatment may improve outcomes for older adults with AML. We tested the feasibility of a randomized physical activity (PA) intervention among older adults (aged ≥60y) receiving induction chemotherapy for newly diagnosed AML and estimated the effect on physical function, quality of life (QOL) and symptoms. Intervention participants were offered PA sessions five days/week tailored daily to symptoms during the induction hospitalization coupled with weekly behavioral counseling sessions that continued monthly by phone for 6 months. The primary outcome was feasibility (recruitment, retention, participation). The key secondary outcome of interest was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). SPPB was assessed at baseline, weekly during hospitalization, 3 months, and 6 months. Among 96 eligible patients 70 enrolled (mean age 72.1±6.3 years, range 60 to 88). Primary feasibility outcomes were met with a recruitment rate of 72%, adherence 74% and average participation of 3 sessions/week. Among survivors the retention was 96% and 95% at 3 (N=51/53) and 6 (N=42/44) months. In exploratory analyses, SPPB scores were maintained or improved in 38% of intervention participants vs. 25% of controls at end induction (N=66, p=0.21). There were no differences between groups on QOL or symptoms. A PA intervention with behavioral counseling during induction was feasible for older adults receiving intensive therapy for AML. ClinicalTrials.gov ID number NCT01519596