Telehealth Exercise for Multiple Myeloma

No longer recruiting at 1 trial location

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: City of Hope Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular disease, Exercise contraindications, Recent injury, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a home-based exercise program delivered through a telehealth platform to improve physical function and strength in multiple myeloma survivors. The program, called the Telehealth Exercise Intervention, includes exercises such as stretching, balance, and cardio, aiming to reduce frailty symptoms like exhaustion and weakness. Participants are divided into two groups: one follows the exercise program, while the other continues daily activities without added exercise but can join the program later. This trial suits multiple myeloma survivors who feel physically weak or exhausted and have recently undergone a stem cell transplant. As an unphased trial, it offers an opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance recovery and well-being from home.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this telehealth exercise intervention is safe for multiple myeloma survivors?

Research shows that exercise programs for people with multiple myeloma are safe and effective. Studies have found that these exercises, such as the telehealth program under discussion, are generally easy for participants to handle. A review of several studies also found that telehealth exercise programs greatly improved fitness in cancer patients, with no major negative effects reported. This suggests that the telehealth exercise program for multiple myeloma survivors is likely safe for use. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Telehealth Exercise Intervention for multiple myeloma because it offers a unique, accessible way for patients to engage in physical activity from their homes. Unlike standard treatments that focus primarily on medication and hospital visits, this intervention empowers patients to incorporate regular exercise into their routine, potentially improving their overall well-being and quality of life. The home-based exercise program is designed to be convenient, requiring just three sessions per week over eight weeks, which could make it easier for patients to stay committed. Moreover, by comparing it with maintaining current daily activities, researchers hope to understand the added benefits of structured exercise in managing multiple myeloma symptoms and enhancing patients' physical health.

What evidence suggests that this telehealth exercise intervention is effective for improving physical function and frailty in multiple myeloma survivors?

Research has shown that exercise programs conducted through telehealth can greatly enhance physical abilities in cancer survivors. For instance, one study found that patients who participated in an online exercise program experienced improved heart and lung fitness and reduced fatigue. Exercise programs have also been proven to boost physical abilities and quality of life in people with multiple myeloma. In this trial, participants in Arm A will engage in a home-based exercise program, which early results suggest improves balance, coordination, and overall strength. This type of home-based exercise appears to be a promising method to help multiple myeloma survivors feel stronger and more energetic. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Kyuwan Lee

Principal Investigator

City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults diagnosed with multiple myeloma who are pre-frail or frail, have had a stem cell transplant within the last 30-180 days, and can perform study tasks. They must not have serious heart issues, exercise contraindications like infections or unstable bone lesions, recent injuries affecting exercise ability, or be doing regular intense exercise.

Inclusion Criteria

I am considered pre-frail or frail based on my weight, energy, walking speed, and muscle strength.

I am willing and able to follow all study requirements.

I have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Exclusion Criteria

I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

You should not participate if you have a current infection or unstable bone problems that make it unsafe to exercise.

I am recovering from an injury that makes rigorous exercise difficult.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants undergo a home-based exercise program 3 times per week for 8 weeks

8 weeks

3 sessions per week (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for sustainability of the intervention on physical function and frailty

9 weeks

2 assessments (virtual) at weeks 9 and 17

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Telehealth Exercise Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a telehealth-based exercise program aimed at improving physical function and reducing frailty in multiple myeloma survivors. Participants will follow online videos for exercises focusing on coordination, posture, stretching, balance, and resistance/cardio training.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Arm A (home-based exercise program) Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Patients undergo home-based exercise program 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Patients complete questionnaires at baseline (before 1 week) and at weeks 9 and 17.

Group II: Arm B (current activities) Active Control 3 Interventions

Patients complete questionnaires at baseline and at week 9 and 17. Patients continue maintaining current activities of daily living and do not participate in any exercise program. Patients may then participate in home-based exercise program 3 times per week for 8 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

City of Hope Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

614

Recruited

1,924,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Only 12% of people with multiple myeloma (MM) remained physically active after treatment, highlighting a significant drop in activity levels post-diagnosis, especially among those who were not active before their diagnosis.

The study found that 55% of respondents expressed interest in low-cost, flexible exercise programs supervised by specialists, indicating a need for accessible physical activity options to help improve their health and manage symptoms during and after treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical Activity in People with Multiple Myeloma: Associated Factors and Exercise Program Preferences. Nicol, JL., Woodrow, C., Burton, NW., et al.[2020]

A randomized trial involving 187 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma found that a home-based individualized exercise program (HBIEP) did not significantly reduce fatigue, improve sleep, or enhance aerobic performance compared to usual care over a 15-week period.

Despite the minimal impact on fatigue and performance, the study suggests that exercise is safe for patients undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma and may provide physiological benefits, particularly in alleviating anemia when combined with epoetin alfa therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of exercise on fatigue, sleep, and performance: a randomized trial. Coleman, EA., Goodwin, JA., Kennedy, R., et al.[2021]

A 12-week eHealth exercise program for people with multiple myeloma was found to be safe and feasible, with no serious adverse events reported and a high adherence rate of 90%.

Participants experienced significant improvements in quality of life and physical fitness, with 96% reporting the program as beneficial and 89% satisfied with the delivery through the HEAL-Me app.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of a tailored and virtually supported home exercise program for people with multiple myeloma using a novel eHealth application. Purdy, GM., Venner, CP., Tandon, P., et al.[2022]

A virtually supported exercise program for people with multiple myeloma was found to be acceptable, with positive feedback from 20 participants regarding its tailored and supportive nature.

Participants appreciated the diversity of exercise options and the user-friendly design of the accompanying eHealth app, although some components could be improved for better usability.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring participant perceptions of a virtually supported home exercise program for people with multiple myeloma using a novel eHealth application: a qualitative study. Purdy, GM., Sobierajski, FM., Al Onazi, MM., et al.[2023]

Exercise programs for people with multiple myeloma (MM) are safe, with no serious adverse events reported and high attendance rates (58% to 96%) across seven studies involving 563 participants.

While exercise did not significantly improve fatigue, depression, or quality of life, it did show some benefits in physical performance measures, such as increased lower limb strength and peak oxygen uptake, suggesting potential for enhancing physical health in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of Exercise Interventions for People With Multiple Myeloma: A Systematic Review. Nicol, JL., Chong, JE., McQuilten, ZK., et al.[2023]

The individualized, high-intensity exercise program for people with multiple myeloma (MM) was found to be safe, with no adverse events reported during the 12-week trial involving 60 participants.

The program showed high acceptability among participants (82% enjoyment), although adherence to the exercise protocols was limited, indicating a need for strategies to enhance participation, especially in unsupervised sessions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety, Feasibility, and Acceptability of a Multisite Individualized Exercise Intervention for People with Multiple Myeloma. Nicol, JL., Cunningham, BJ., Woodrow, C., et al.[2023]

This trial will assess the impact of a 12-week exercise intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 60 patients with multiple myeloma, a cancer known for causing significant bone pain and lesions.

The study will also evaluate secondary outcomes such as bone health, fatigue, and muscle strength, aiming to determine if exercise should be integrated into standard care for improving overall health in multiple myeloma patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Individualized Exercise Intervention for People with Multiple Myeloma-Study Protocol of a Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial. Nicol, JL., Woodrow, C., Cunningham, BJ., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36329525/

Telehealth exercise to Improve Physical function and frailty ... This randomized controlled trial will assess the efficacy of an 8-week telehealth exercise intervention in 60 patients with multiple myeloma who underwent ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05142371

Telehealth Exercise Intervention to Improve Physical ... This clinical trial examines a telehealth exercise intervention in improving physical function and frailty in multiple myeloma survivors. The exercise program ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11100177/

Effect of exercise-based cancer rehabilitation via telehealth Meta-analysis indicated that telehealth exercise-based cancer rehabilitation significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = 0.34, 95% ...

4. bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-025-01193-4

Exercise interventions in patients with multiple myeloma Exercise interventions positively improved fatigue levels, functional capacity, quality of life, and psychological well-being in patients with multiple myeloma ...

5. cancer.jmir.org cancer.jmir.org/2025/1/e56718/PDF

Preliminary Effectiveness of a Telehealth-Delivered ... Conclusions: Our findings suggest a one-on-one, supervised telehealth exercise program may positively influence measures of physical function, ...