Cognition in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplanted Patients and Sports
Cognition in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplanted Patients and Sports
Studies suggest that patients with hematological malignancies undergoing allogeneic
 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at risk for cognitive decline and
 long-term cognitive dysfunction. To address this issue, a randomized controlled intervention
 trial on the effect of physical exercise on cognition is conducted. In addition, the impact
 on psychological and physical health outcomes is evaluated. Results may benefit patients who
 suffer from disease- or treatment-associated cognitive change.
Studies suggest that patients with hematological malignancies undergoing allogeneic
 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at risk for cognitive decline and
 long-term cognitive dysfunction. To address this issue, a randomized controlled intervention
 trial on the effect of physical exercise on cognition is conducted. In addition, the impact
 on psychological and physical health outcomes such as depression, fatigue, health-related
 quality of life and physical fitness is evaluated. A healthy control group matched to the
 patients on age, gender, and education will be included to both control for practice effects
 on neuropsychological measures and allow additional comparisons on self-report measures. The
 healthy control group will undergo neuropsychological testing and questionnaire survey at
 baseline and 4 months. Demographic data will be collected from all study participants at
 baseline. Medical data will be collected from patients at all time points. Results may
 benefit patients who suffer from disease- or treatment-associated cognitive change.
Patients:

 Inclusion Criteria:

 -  hematological malignancy (AML, ALL, MDS, OMF, CML, MM, NHL, Hodgkin, AA)

 -  3 to 6 months after allogeneic HSCT

 -  ≥ 18 years of age at time of transplantation

 -  German as mother tongue

 -  regular follow-up visits at the transplantation center during the first year after
 transplantation

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  > 75 years of age at time of transplantation

 -  relapse/progress

 -  thrombocyte count ≤ 50 G/l

 -  GvHD with lung involvement

 -  compromised lung function (patients who need oxygen)

 -  compromised cardiovascular function (< 10-m walk)

 -  florid infection

 -  immobility

 -  neurological disease

 -  severe psychiatric disease

 -  regular intake of psychoactive drugs or substance abuse

 -  uncontrolled diabetes

 -  high fracture risk

 -  impaired vision and/or hearing

 Healthy controls (matched for age, gender, and education):

 Inclusion Criteria:

 -  ≥ 18 years of age at time of enrolment

 -  German as mother tongue

 -  residence in the area of the transplantation center or family members/friends
 accompanying the patients to clinical follow-up visits

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  > 75 years of age at time of enrolment

 -  hematological malignancy

 -  solid tumour disease

 -  neurological disease

 -  severe psychiatric disease

 -  regular intake of psychoactive drugs or substance abuse

 -  impaired vision and/or hearing