The effect of High Intensity Interval Exercise on Platelet Engraftment in Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT)

Tayebe Zarekar; Abbas Hajifathali; Sajad Ahmadizad

doi:10.18502/ijhoscr.v18i3.16104

Tayebe Zarekar Department of Biological Sciences in Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
Abbas Hajifathali Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Sajad Ahmadizad Department of Biological Sciences in Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijhoscr.v18i3.16104

Keywords: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); Autologous transplantation; Thrombocytosis; Thrombocytopenia; Platelet transfusion

Abstract

Background: Thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Although platelet transfusion is the most used treatment for severe thrombocytopenia, it is associated with well-established risks. High-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) results in thrombocytosis. Therefore, this study aimed to reduce thrombocytopenia by increasing platelet count through exercise.

Materials and Methods: Twenty lymphoma and multiple myeloma patients were divided into HIIE and control groups. To determine the maximal exercise capacity, patients in the HIIE group performed a graded exercise test. All patients received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for 5 days, followed by a HIIE trial. After 5 min warm up at 10 to 20% of peak power, patients in the HIIE group performed an HIIE protocol that included 12 intervals of one-minute work at 100% peak power interspersed by one-minute active rest at 20% of peak power. Patients in the control group were seated for the same duration without any physical activity. Two blood samples were taken before and immediately after the trials and were analyzed for measuring complete blood count.

Results: Platelet count on the day of platelet engraftment in the HIIE group was significantly higher than in the control group (P=0.02). Single-donor platelet transfusion was significantly lower in the HIIE group than in the control group (P=0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, a short bout of HIIE had a positive effect on platelet engraftment through thrombocytosis and reduced platelet transfusion and its complications, which could be a useful strategy for HSCT patients.