Physical Activity Levels in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients Revealed in New Research

Data from a recent study has shown that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients experience a decline in physical activity levels during acute recovery. According to the research published in Supportive Care in Cancer, the average participant spent 13 minutes per day engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, falling short of the American Cancer Society's recommended levels. Furthermore, those with lower education levels and income were found to be at greater risk of low physical activity.

Key Takeaways:

• HSCT recipients experience a significant decline in physical activity levels during acute recovery, with an average of 13 minutes per day spent engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• Study participants with a college education or higher and a yearly income of $75,000 or more were found to engage in more physical activity compared to their counterparts.
• HSCT recipients in acute recovery do not meet the American Cancer Society's recommended levels of physical activity.
• Participants with fewer years of education and lower income were at greater risk of low physical activity.
• The study identified potentially vulnerable cohorts of HSCT survivors at risk for low physical activity, indicating a need for future interventions to increase physical activity levels.
• Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital conducted the study, which involved 63 participants with a mean age of 61 and 50.8% female.
• Participants' daily step count averaged 3,679 steps, while their weekly average was 23,094 steps.
• The study highlighted the importance of physical activity during acute recovery following HSCT and identified potential targets for future interventions.

Statistics:

• 13 minutes per day spent engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
• 81 minutes per week spent engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
• 3,679 steps per day on average
• 23,094 steps per week on average
• 68.3% of participants completed college
• 66.7% of participants earned a household yearly income of $75,000 or more
• 92.1% of participants identified as White
• 50.8% of participants identified as female
• Mean age of participants: 61

Sources:

• "Physical activity and sedentary behavior in patients during acute recovery from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation." Supportive Care in Cancer, 2025; 33(11): 934.
• Hematology Week. October 20, 2025; p 563.
• Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital Have Reported New Data on Cell Transplants (Physical activity and sedentary behavior in patients during acute recovery from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation).