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Many studies have reported that physical exercise can improve the levels of function, quality of life (QoL), and fatigue in patients with hematologic malignancies. However, exercises should be prescribed with caution in patients with thrombocytopenia to prevent exercise-related bleeding. Some studies have suggested threshold platelet counts at which physical exercise can safely be performed. Herein, we review the current literature to determine the platelet count thresholds and types of physical exercise that may be prescribed to reduce the risk of exercise-related bleeding in those with hematological malignancies while undergoing chemotherapy.

Purpose: To build consensus around an optimal patient-reported outcome measure of cancer symptoms and patient needs to facilitate patient-provider communication and trigger referrals to supportive services. Methods and materials: The Grid-Enabled Measures platform was used to crowdsource and facilitate collaboration to achieve consensus. Respondents were invited to nominate and independently rate the usefulness of measures that: (1) have been actively used at a healthcare institution, (2) have a multiple choice or yes/no type format, (3) are applicable to adults with cancer, (4) are patient-reported, and 5) have psychometric data if possible. Discussion boards within the GEM workspace allowed respondents to identify barriers to implementing patient assessment and referral systems. Results: 166 individuals from various disciplines from 25 organizations participated. Six instruments were nominated, and 553 rating surveys were submitted. The three most highly-rated overall instruments were the Distress Thermometer, the James Supportive Case Screening, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General. Participants noted that wide-scale implementation of this process requires both identifying problems and providing clinicians with algorithms to facilitate appropriate referrals. Conclusions: Consensus reported three most highly-related measures as optimal for comprehensive screening and identification for referral by assessing multiple domains of functioning and quality of life.Implications for RehabilitationGaining consensus on the best patient reported outcome measures is an important step towards improving access to cancer rehabilitation services.A consensus agreed on several measures to use for cancer rehabilitation screening. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General, National Comprehensive Cancer. Network Distress Thermometer and the James Instrument.The selected measures do not put undue burden on clinicians and patients.

Introduction: The American College of Sports Medicine and American Heart Association recommends resistance training involving 60-70% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM) for 8-12 repetitions on 2 or 3 nonconsecutive days per week for the elderly. The Borg 6-20 scale, Borg category ratio (CR-10) scale, and OMNI scale are used to determine the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for resistance training. Areas covered: RPE scales for resistance training performed by elderly individuals are described. The RPE has been related to resistance training intensity, and the RPE scale was used to determine the resistance training intensity of elderly or ill individuals. Expert commentary: RPE scales can determine the resistance training intensity of elderly individuals and may be used at home or in nursing homes, if they do not have specific resistance training machines. RPE is simple and useful, and may improve skeletal muscle strength or other health-related issues.