Qol-07. resisting declines in functional fitness: preliminary findings from the resist trial

Abstract Few studies have evaluated the efficacy of exercise (EX) in mitigating the functional decline experienced by glioblastoma patients receiving steroids. Here we report preliminary findings on the impact of a tailored ~12-week circuit-based resistance training (CRT) program on functional fitness in glioblastoma patients on treatment. Patient accrual, adherence, and safety was evaluated throughout. Functional status (Short Physical Performance Battery) and grip strength were assessed at baseline and post-study. Depending on the treatment protocol, EX participants completed 3-6 weeks of in-person training followed by 6-9 weeks of home-based, Zoom facilitated training (3-4, 25–30-minute sessions/week). From March 2022 to May 2023, 33 glioblastoma patients were screened and met eligibility criteria, 24 expressed interest, and 15 subsequently agreed to participate (45% accrual). Participants were randomly allocated to either the EX (n = 7) or wait-list control (CON = 8) group. Ten participants (EX = 5; CON = 5) have completed the study with 1 CON ongoing (27% attrition; 2 withdrawn; 2 died) and incomplete fitness data for 1 EX participant. Three serious, unrelated adverse events were recorded, including 2 disease related deaths and 1 hospitalization. Adherence to in-person EX sessions was 96%. While not significant, preliminary efficacy data suggests that EX participants were more likely to maintain or mitigate losses in lower body function (CON (Mchange=-1.0, SD = 2.6); EX (Mchange = 0; SD = 1.3), t(7)=0.943, p > 0.05, d = 0.49) and grip strength (CON (Mchange=-5.94kg, SD = 9.15; EX (Mchange = 0.4kg, SD = 5.75), t(7)=0.269, p > 0.05, d = 0.83). Findings show that glioblastoma patients on active treatment are willing and able to safely engage in CRT. Participants were adherent to in-person CRT sessions, however self-reported home-based CRT was low, with many participants disengaging from EX. While this may be attributed to declining health and worsening fatigue related to ongoing treatments, additional study is needed to explore strategies to improve adherence to home-based EX sessions as in-person sessions are not always feasible.