Lymphoma patients have to endure a very intense and long cancer therapy. At that time point cancer patients were still advised to rest. The disease itself, the long immobility and the cancer therapy all contribute to a strong decline in motor- and sensory functions such as loss of muscle mass, reduced balance, gait instability, fatigue, sleep problems, resulting in a reduced quality of life. All these symptoms can be addressed with specific exercises. We therefore conducted a study aimed to help maintain functions and degrade less in the afore mentioned parameters, enabling them to maintain a good quality of life.

We therefore performed a randomized, controlled trial with 61 lymphoma patients. They were split into two groups: a control group (CG) with 31 patients, and an intervention group (IG) with 30 patients. The intervention group participated in a 36-week exercise program that included sensorimotor, endurance, and strength training twice a week. The main goal was to improve QOL, while other goals included better coordination, endurance, strength, and fewer therapy-related side effects.

We were able to show, that the intervention group had better quality of life. We had thought we would be able to prevent a strong decline but were surprised to find that it was even possible to train patients under cancer therapy. Patients exercising alongside therapy showed better vibration sensitivity, a sign of neuropathy: 87,5% reduced this symptom while no patient in the control group showed any changes. Further, they had better balance, while the control group got worse, had better aerobic performance levels and was physically more active than the control group.

We therefore conclude that exercise, especially sensorimotor training, is a promising way to support cancer patients during therapy. It improves their quality of life, reduces the impact of side effects like neuropathy, and enhances their balance, physical performance, and mobility.