Physical Therapy in Patients Undergoing Allo-HSCT With cGVHD

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (alloHSCT) represents the only curative option for many patients diagnosed with various hematologic neoplasms. Procedure-related morbidity and mortality pose challenges to long-term outcomes and quality of life, especially among patients who develop chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). There is a gap in healthcare that comprehensively addresses the specific needs of these patients. Physical therapy as an adjuvant treatment, through therapeutic exercise involving muscle strength and cardiorespiratory endurance, has shown positive influences on health markers and serves as a strong medical ally in similar profiles. Although these strategies could be reproducible and potentially beneficial for cGVHD patients, research has been limited to date, with the role of physical therapy possibly underutilized in this field. Justification: Unaddressed medical gap with no rigorously scientific responses specific to cGVHD. Objectives: This project aims to conduct the first randomized clinical trial from a physical therapy perspective as an adjuvant treatment for patients undergoing alloHSCT diagnosed with cGVHD.