Virtual Exercise for Multiple Myeloma

The primary objective of this pilot study is to determine the safety and feasibility a 12-week virtually supported home-based aerobic and resistance exercise program progressing cancer survivors with Multiple Myeloma to meet standards identified in the 2019 Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors. The protocol will be measuring recruitment, adherence, completion, cost tracking, as well as fitness and quality of life outcomes. The study will be a single-group prospective before and after study that will help inform a future larger-scale project. We will aim to recruit 25 participants. The Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta Cancer Committee will approve this study. Participants will participate in a combined resistance and aerobic exercise program biweekly for 12 weeks. Exercise sessions will be supported and progressive in nature, between 40 and 75 minutes each. Analyses: fitness testing and quality of life scales will be administered before and after the intervention. Scores will be compared to evaluate changes over the course of the intervention. Safety and feasibility information will be collected throughout the study and evaluated to determine program feasibility. Program satisfaction will be evaluated using a satisfaction survey.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years of age and older
2. Diagnosis of multiple myeloma
3. In one of the following three treatment categories:

   * Transplant ineligible patients, currently in first line treatment
   * Transplant eligible patients, sufficiently recovered from transplantation (\>3 months following transplantation)
   * Patients with relapsed/recurrent myeloma with either 1-3 prior lines of treatment or 4+ prior lines
4. Able to provide informed written consent in English
5. Approved for physical activity participation by their oncologist and cleared for physical activity by the Certified Exercise Physiologist on the PAR-Q+

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unstable cardiac/metabolic condition that would be deemed unsafe to exercise
2. Severe anemia
3. Spinal instability requiring surgical intervention
4. AL amyloidosis, solitary plasmacytoma, or Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
5. Too frail to participate in home exercise, as determine by baseline physical assessment (i.e., unable to complete a single sit-to-stand or balance on one foot for ≥ 3 seconds).
6. Inability to provide consent
7. Inability to commit to, and/or comply with the intervention due to personal reasons (e.g. vacation planned during the intervention period)