Effects of a nurse-led multi-theoretical-model-based exercise program on psychological, sleep and cognitive function in lymphoma patients: A randomized controlled trial
In brief
Nurse-led exercise sharply lowers distress and boosts sleep and cognition
In a 36-week randomized trial of 90 lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy, a nurse-directed exercise program reduced anxiety, depression and fear of progression while producing lasting improvements in sleep quality and objective cognitive performance, with benefits persisting for six months. Adherence exceeded 80%, suggesting the regimen is feasible, though replication in larger cohorts is needed.
- Journal
- European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society (Q1)
- Published
- 1 September 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Yan Lin, Qiyuan Huang, Fang Zhu, Zilan Wu, Dongjiao Huang, Yue Yang, et al.
- PMID
- 42727513
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ejon.2026.103304
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Hematology (top studies of the week, 13 September 2026): Exercise program in lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy
Abstract
PURPOSE: Chemotherapy often leads to psychological distress, sleep disturbance, and cognitive decline in lymphoma patients. Exercise may help alleviate these symptoms, but high-quality evidence remains limited. The study aimed to examine the effects of a nurse-led multi-theoretical-model-based exercise program (MTM-EP) on psychological distress, sleep quality, and cognitive function in lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: In this assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial, ninety patients with lymphoma were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving a 36-week nurse-led multi-theoretical-model-based exercise program or a control group receiving usual care. Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups (T2-4). Outcomes included anxiety, depression, fear of cancer progression, sleep quality, and cognitive function. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: An intention-to-treat analysis was performed including all 90 randomized participants. Missing outcome data were handled using multiple imputation under the Missing at Random assumption. Compared with controls, the intervention group demonstrated substantial reductions in anxiety, depression, and fear of progression, along with sustained improvements in sleep quality and objective cognition across six months (all P < 0.001). High adherence rates (>80%) were observed for both aerobic and resistance components. CONCLUSIONS: The nurse-led MTM-EP was found to effectively reduce psychological distress, improve sleep quality, and enhance cognitive function among patients with lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy.
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.