Relationship of physical activity with physical function and health‐related quality of life in patients having undergone allogeneic haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation

In this study, we investigated the differences in physical activity before and after transplantation, and the relationship between physical activity and physical function and health‐related quality of life ( QOL ) in 30 patients who underwent allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐ HSCT ). Duration and intensity of physical activity were quantified using a three‐dimensional accelerometer. Physical function was quantified by handgrip and knee‐extensor strength, with the 6‐minute walk test (6 MWT ) used as a measure of exercise capacity. Health‐related QOL was assessed using the 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey. The proportion of daily activities performed at an intensity >3.0 metabolic equivalents ( MET s) increased significantly after allo‐ HSCT ( p  < .05). Daily activity time performed at an intensity of 1.6–2.9 MET s significantly correlated only with left knee strength ( p  < .05). In contrast, the total number of daily steps and the proportion of activity performed at 1.6–2.9 MET s and >3.0 MET s were positively correlated with the 6 MWT ( p  < .05). Additionally, physical functioning and general health subscales in health‐related QOL positively correlated with daily activities performed at >3.0 MET s ( p  < .05). Physical activity was associated with 6 MWT and health‐related QOL . These findings have implications for rehabilitation planning for patients undergoing allo‐ HSCT .