| Sumario: | Background/Objective: To investigate the feasibility of aerobic exercise training in patients with brain tumors and its effects on aerobic function, strength, fatigue, and functional outcomes. Methods: Design: Prospective study, single cohort design. Setting: Phase 1: inpatient rehabilitation hospital; phase 2: outpatient setting. Patients: Patients with primary or metastatic brain tumors. Twenty qualified participants enrolled, 16 participants (9 men, 7 women; mean age = 56.6 years) completed phase 1. One participant completed phase 2. Intervention: Individualized aerobic training on a recumbent cycle ergometer. Phase 1: 5 days per week; phase 2: 3 days per week. Training goal was 20 minutes of continuous cycling at moderate intensity for a duration of 6 weeks including phase 1 and phase 2. Measurements: Aerobic capacity (graded submaximal cycling test), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Functional Independence Measure, lower-extremity composite strength, and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue; measures were assessed pretraining, at inpatient discharge, and posttraining. Feasibility determined by (1) adherence to training program, (2) training responsiveness, and (3) ability to achieve training goals. Results: Statistically significant changes in all outcome measures found during phase 1, with moderate gains in aerobic capacity and the 6MWT. All participants reached the training goal of 20 minutes of continuous cycling at moderate intensity and adherence to 5 training sessions per week in phase 1. No adverse events reported. Limitations: Lack of a control group and limited participation in phase 2; therefore, training responsiveness assessed only during inpatient phase. Conclusion: Study supports the feasibility and effectiveness of an individualized aerobic exercise program for individuals with brain tumors.
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