Comparison of self‐reported physical activity in children and adolescents before and during cancer treatment

Abstract

Due to the well known importance of physical activity during childhood and the identified risk of inactivity during cancer treatment, supervised exercise interventions should be implemented into acute treatment phase to enhance activity levels and ensure a continuously support by qualified exercise professionals.

Motor performance in children and adolescents with cancer at the end of acute treatment phase

“…In summary, we demonstrated that well-known side effects of pediatric cancer and medical treatment as well as inactivity [14,36,39] may lead to highly diminished coordination, flexibility, speed, and strength at the end of the acute treatment phase. Between 50 and 91 % of the study participants achieved motor performance scores below their age-and gender-matched normative data.…”

“…Bone tumor patients showed a more pronounced decline in all motor abilities (except handgrip strength) than leukemia patients, which might be due to orthopedic restrictions and surgery or to the well-documented reduction of physical activity levels [14,39]. Specific physical therapy, adapted to individual performance limitations, is essential for this patient group, as well as a general promotion of enjoyable exercises to maintain adequate activity levels and physical fitness [40].…”

“…Anthropometric and medical information was obtained by electronic patient record technology (ORBIS OpenMed). A previously reported study at our department aimed at comparing physical activity levels before and during cancer treatment using selfreports by questionnaires [14]. Our present investigation utilized the findings on self-reported physical activity during cancer treatment from this study to assess the relationship between those values and motor performance tested by the MOON test.…”

Physical activity and quality of life in children treated for leukaemia

“…What is more, they observed that cancer also contributed to limiting children's mobility and increased the time spent in a sitting position [11]. Additionally, the study conducted by Götte et al [12] also proved that children undergoing cancer treatment presented a significantly lower level of physical activity in all dimensions of everyday Fisher's test p-value < 0,05 life. The weekly amount of time devoted to exercises diminished considerably.…”

“…The most substantial decrease in physical activity during treatment has been observed in patients with bone cancer and those treated in stationary conditions. owing to the well-known benefits of physical activity during childhood and a proven risk of physical inactivity during cancer treatment, supervised exercise interventions should be implemented during therapy [12]. The research by Anzar et al…”