Telehealth Exercise Intervention to Improve Physical Function and Frailty in Multiple Myeloma Survivors

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

I. Determine the effects of an 8-week telehealth exercise intervention on physical function as assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test (Aim 1)

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Determine the effects of an 8-week telehealth exercise intervention as assessed using a 5-scale frailty index: body mass index (self-report), tiredness (questionnaire), level of physical activity (self-report), gait speed (sensors), and muscular strength (hand grip dynamometer) (Aim 2).

II. Determine the sustainability of the intervention on physical function and frailty at week 17 (Aim 3).

OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.

ARM A: Patients undergo home-based exercise program 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Patients complete questionnaires at baseline (before 1 week) and at weeks 9 and 17.

ARM B: Patients complete questionnaires at baseline and at week 9 and 17. Patients continue maintaining current activities of daily living and do not participate in any exercise program. Patients may then participate in home-based exercise program 3 times per week for 8 weeks.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with multiple myeloma
• >= 18 years old
• Self-reported as pre-frail or frail (i.e. Fried Criteria: clinically underweight and exhibiting exhaustion, low energy expenditure, slow walking speed, and muscle weakness), with the presence of 2/5 indices classified as pre-frail and >= 3/5 indices classified as frail
• Has undergone autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) within 30 and 180 days prior to registration
• Physically able and willing to complete all study procedures
• English-speaking

Exclusion criteria

• Have clinically significant/active cardiovascular disease (e.g. unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia, etc.)
• Have contraindications to exercise (acute infectious disease or unstable bone lesions)
• Currently recovering from a recent injury or have been physically injured in the past 6 months, in which participation in rigorous exercise may not be appropriate
• Participate in regular, structured exercise (> 60 minutes/week)
• Female patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant