Individualised but Specific Exercise Training Improves Physiologic Reserve and Reduces Frailty in Older Adults with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia: A 12-Week Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial.

The study examined the impact of a 12-week exercise programme on frailty and physical fitness in 63 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. At baseline, 31.7% of patients were pre-frail or frail. The exercise programme consisted of three cardiovascular and two resistance sessions per week, delivered either in-person (ENERGISE) or remotely (REMOTE). Compared to the control group, frailty scores decreased in both exercise groups (REMOTE: -0.34, ENERGISE: -0.44). Among participants classified as pre-frail or frail at baseline, frailty status improved in 80% of ENERGISE and 50% of REMOTE participants. Exercise significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness in both groups (REMOTE: +2.2 mL/kg/min, ENERGISE: +2.8 mL/kg/min) and increased leg, chest, and upper back strength. Improvements in frailty were associated with greater increases in peak oxygen pulse, which reflects cardiac stroke volume.