Multi-theory model-based exercise for cognition, physical fitness, and quality of life in patients with lymphoma during chemotherapy: a randomized controlled trial
In brief
Exercise program improves cognition, fitness and quality of life in lymphoma patients during chemotherapy
In a randomized trial of 86 adults with lymphoma, a theory-driven exercise regimen achieved 79% adherence and 88% retention, leading to significant gains in self-reported cognitive function, physical fitness and overall quality of life that persisted at least four weeks after the program ended. The findings suggest a feasible supportive-care option, though longer-term effects remain unknown.
- Journal
- Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice (Q1)
- Published
- 31 July 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Yan Lin, Yabin Wang, Bingqian Ou, Guojuan Chen, Jianwei Zheng, Huimin Xiao, et al.
- PMID
- 42538450
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11764-026-02093-3
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Hematology (top studies of the week, 1 November 2026): Exercise improves cognition, fitness, QoL in lymphoma patients
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a multi-theory model (MTM)-based exercise program on cognitive function, physical fitness, and quality of life among blood cancer survivors. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 86 adults with lymphoma were recruited from a specialized oncology hospital in Fujian, southeastern China, and randomly assigned to an intervention or usual-care control group. The intervention group received an MTM-based exercise program plus usual care; controls received usual care alone. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and 4 weeks post-intervention (T2). RESULTS: Of 43 participants allocated to the intervention group, 38 completed the program (retention, 88.4%); mean adherence was 79.0%. Compared with usual care, the MTM-based exercise program significantly improved subjective cognitive function, physical fitness, and quality of life at T1 and T2 (all P < 0.001). Cognitive function improved from T0 to T1 (P < 0.001) and was maintained at T2, with no further significant change from T1 to T2 (P = 0.074). Physical fitness and quality of life improved from T0 to T1 and remained significantly higher at T2, compared with baseline (T0) (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A MTM-based exercise program produced sustained short-term improvements in cognitive, physical, and quality-of-life outcomes among blood cancer survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number ChiCTR-2400083827. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Theory-driven exercise may offer a feasible, behaviorally informed supportive-care strategy to protect brain health, preserve functional capacity, and enhance well-being across the blood cancer survivorship continuum.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.