Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia & Exercise: Personalized Guidance Needed
Personalized Exercise Crucial for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients, Study Finds
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New research from the University of Surrey reveals a notable gap in exercise guidance for individuals living with Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most prevalent form of blood cancer.
The Urgent Need for Tailored Exercise Advice
A extensive study, published in the journal eJHaem, surveyed 128 CLL patients across the United Kingdom. The findings underscore a critical unmet need: while a considerable 80% of patients expressed a strong desire to engage in exercise programs, a staggering 70% reported never receiving any advice on physical activity from their healthcare providers.
Dr. David Bartlett, Senior Lecturer of Exercise immunology at the University of Surrey, emphasized the study’s key takeaway: “This research highlights the importance exercise plays in improving the lives of people living with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Patients are simply not receiving the guidance they need to engage safely and effectively in exercise and physical activity,which we have found can considerably improve the quality of life of those with CLL.”
The Proven Benefits of Physical Activity for CLL Patients
The study provides compelling evidence for the positive impact of physical activity on the quality of life and symptom management for CLL patients. Individuals who are physically active report a demonstrably better quality of life, improved physical and daily functioning, and lower levels of fatigue, pain, and symptom severity when compared to their less active counterparts.
Gaps in Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation Programs
A significant finding of the research points to a notable lack of structured prehabilitation and rehabilitation programs specifically designed for CLL patients within national healthcare systems, including the NHS. Prehabilitation interventions aim to prevent complications and side effects before surgery, while rehabilitation programs assist in recovery from injuries, illnesses, and medical treatments.The absence of these tailored programs leaves CLL patients without essential support for managing their condition through exercise.
Patient Preferences: Flexibility, Proximity, and Expert Guidance
The study also shed light on patient preferences regarding exercise delivery. The majority of CLL patients favored virtual classes conducted at home or in community clinics over hospital-based or public group settings. This preference highlights the importance of factors such as cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and proximity to home when designing accessible exercise interventions.
Moreover, patients expressed a strong preference for guidance from cancer care specialists, such as exercise physiologists and physiotherapists, over advice from peer-led or general fitness instructors. This indicates a desire for expert, evidence-based advice that acknowledges the unique challenges and specific needs of individuals living with CLL.
PhD student Ellie Miles commented on these findings, stating, “It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, as the treatment status and symptomology are factors to consider when developing CLL-specific exercise programs. Patients want and need expert, tailored advice that addresses their unique challenges and preferences.”
The research strongly advocates for the integration of personalized exercise guidance and structured programs into the standard care pathway for CLL patients, recognizing its profound potential to enhance their well-being and manage their condition effectively.
source:
Miles, EE, et al.(2025). Physical Activity, Symptoms, Quality of Life and Exercise Program Preferences in People with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia. ejhaem. doi.org/10.1002/jha2.70100