Physical Therapy in Patients with Leukemia: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: A multitude of physiopathologic changes are generated by leukemia. Therefore, physiotherapy has been an ally in the treatment of patients with leukemia. Objective: To carry out a systematic review of literature about the possible physiotherapeutic procedures applied in patients with leukemia. Methods: The research was conducted in the LILACS , MEDLINE, PEDro, PubMed and SciELO electronic databases, by consulting the following descriptors: ‘leukemia’ and ‘physiotherapy’. We looked for articles presented in full text, written either in Portuguese, English or Spanish, without limitation of time or restrictions on the type of study and sample. In order to assess the methodological quality of these articles, the PEDro scale was applied. Results: From the eight selected articles, we found that there are positive therapeutic possibilities to be used by physiotherapists, especially aerobic exercise, stretching and muscle strengthening. Conclusion: It is necessary to publish research on the subject in order to generate scientific evidence regarding the Physical Therapy professional.