The effect of physiotherapy on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients' disuse syndrome

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of physiotherapy on the disuse syndrome in were hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients' bioclean room treatment period. The subjects 17 of 35 patients who received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a period covering one year. Before and after transplantation, the patient's grip, muscle strength of lower extremity, endurance, amount of hemoglobin, and flexibility were evaluated. The patient did independent practice of muscle strength and stretching in the bioclean room every day. Furthermore, individual practice of muscle strength and stretching was usually carried out together with a physical therapist 3 times per week in the standing position. Compared with before transplantation, muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility fell after transplantation. The amount of Hb before and after transplantation was almost unchanged, and a low value was shown as compared with normal values. In spite of having performed physiotherapy during the bioclean room stay, the physical fitness before transplantation was unmaintainable. It was thought that the main causes were the activity restrictions in the bioclean room. In addition, the influence of adverse drug reaction, corpuscular reduction, undernutrition, and treatment related symptoms were also considered to have played a part.