Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Physical activity is proposed as an associated care in multiple cancers with proven benefits but has not been often and specifically evaluated for gliomas. The main objective of our study was to assess the feasibility and the potential effectiveness of exercise training in patients with high and low-grade gliomas.

Twenty-eight patients (mean age 49 years, 16 high grades and 12 low-grades, minimal Karnofksy Performance Status at 70%) were addressed by the neuro-oncology for fatigue complaint. They were first screened by a physiatrist and then included a program of individual exercise training. A Six-Minute-Walking-Test was realized before and after the training.

On the 17 patients included, 14 finished the program (7 high grade and 7 low-grade gliomas). Only 2 patients were excluded for a clinical degradation and only 1 patient did not finish it for a reason linked to his tumor. Mean number of sessions was 8; no major sides effects were reported. After the program, a statistically significant increase of the 6-Minute-Test was found (P=0.0007).

In this population, this kind of program seems to be feasible and efficient. However, our results cannot be extended to all gliomas patients due to the good general state of our population and the inner limits of the Six-Minute-Walking-Test. Further studies are needed to assess the possible benefits in larger sample.