Association between exercise and quality of life in multiple myeloma cancer survivors

Abstract

Goals of the work: The goal of this study was to examine the association between exercise and quality of life (QOL) in multiple myeloma cancer survivors.

Patients and methods: Using a retrospective design, 156 multiple myeloma cancer survivors were mailed a questionnaire that assessed self-reported exercise behavior over three periods (prediagnosis, active treatment, and off-treatment) and QOL.

Main results: The response rate was 56% (88/ 156). Descriptive analyses indicated that 6.8% and 20.4% of survivors met national exercise guidelines during active and off-treatment periods, respectively. Exercise during active treatment and off-treatment were positively associated with overall QOL and all subdomains of QOL (all P<0.05) except physical wellbeing.

Conclusions: A low percentage of multiple myeloma cancer survivors are exercising regularly either during active or off-treatment periods. Survivors who report more exercise during these periods also report higher QOL. These findings suggest that a randomized controlled trial is warranted.