Feasibility, Safety, and Effect of an Exercise Program for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer

Patients who are staying at M.D. Anderson for inpatient chemotherapy treatment will take part in this study.

Participants in this study will be asked to take part in either mild physical exercise by themselves for 20 minutes a day, or group exercise sessions of moderate intensity once a day. Each participant will be evaluated by a physical therapist before participation.

Exercise programs will be designed for each individual. Participants will be encouraged to attend group sessions and continue the exercise program during the time they are outpatients. Participants will also have the opportunity to work with a personal trainer.

The group exercise program takes from 45 minutes to one hour, and will be performed under the guidance of certified physical therapists and a personal trainer in the Pedi-Dome located on the ninth floor of the Alkek Tower of M.D. Anderson. Participants who are not feeling well enough to come to the Pedi-Dome on a given day will have the opportunity to exercise in their hospital rooms with a physical therapist or trainer for 20 minutes.

The exercises are designed to promote flexibility, endurance, and strength. They include activities such as stretching, pilates-yoga, aerobics, step aerobic training, use of stationery bikes, and the use of therapeutic exercise balls, cuff weights, and dumbbells. The activities will be tailored to each individual's abilities and special needs.