Nesreen G.El-Nahas, Heba A Abdeen

Abstract

Background: Leukemia, as a type of cancer that is treated with chemotherapy often encounters functional status limitations with pulmonary toxicity and decreased inspiratory muscle strength in the 3 phases of its treatment. Aim of the study: To assess the efficacy of respiratory training on functional capacity and quality of life in patients with leukemia .Material and methods: Forty men patients with leukemia, in the age range of 37.1 ± 4.89, underwent chemotherapy for at least one cycle.  The patients, chosen from National Cancer Institute, Cairo (inpatient ward), were arbitrarily allocated into two groups.  Study Group included 30 patients who received respiratory muscles training for 4 successive weeks, 5 sessions/week; and Control Group included 10 patients who acted as a control group on chemotherapy only. Data obtained from both groups regarding forced Maximum voluntary ventilation(MVV), 2 min walk test, Quality of life questionnaire (FACT-G) were statistically analyzed and compared. Results: After 4 weeks of training, the results of the study group showed that there was a significant increase in the MVV, 2min walk test distance, and   FACT-G by 23.59%, 17.29% and 18.86%; respectively. While for the control group, the results showed significant decrease in the previous parameters assessed by 12.93%, 15.48% and 8.27%; respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that respiratory muscle training can be performed in an attempt to minimize the consequent effects of respiratory muscle weakness, and preserve the functional capacity, and improve the quality of life in patients with leukemia receiving chemotherapy.