Pilot nursing study explores physical activity during and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
MD Anderson Research Highlight April 16, 2025
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a vital treatment for blood cancers, but it is also an intense therapy with lengthy hospital stays that can reduce physical activity and muscle strength. In a pilot study led by Gisele Tlusty, Ph.D., R.N., researchers explored changes in physical activity during and after HSCT and examined the role of nurses in supporting patients. Using accelerometers, researchers tracked physical activity in 26 patients over the first nine HSCT treatment days and seven days post-discharge. Results showed that increased symptom severity was associated with lower step count, and patients with moderate-to-high exercise self-efficacy took more steps during hospitalization and engaged in more light activity after discharge. The study highlights a link between physical activity, symptom severity and exercise self-efficacy, suggesting that oncology nurses can help patients by encouraging physical activity and setting realistic goals during and after hospitalization to improve outcomes. Learn more in .
Our study suggests that step counts decrease during hospitalization for HSCT and do not recover after discharge. Symptoms associated with lower step counts during hospitalization for HSCT included fatigue and drowsiness. We are conducting more studies to examine the relationships between fatigue, physical activity and sleep during hospitalization to develop interventions to improve recovery and better prepare patients to transition from hospital to home after HSCT.