Complex behavioral interventions targeting physical activity and dietary behaviors in pediatric oncology: A scoping review

Abstract

As cancer and its treatment negatively impacts the long-term health and quality of life of survivors, there is a need to explore new avenues to prevent or minimize the impact of adverse effects in children with cancer and cancer survivors. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to report on the state of the evidence on the use and effects of complex behavioral interventions (CBI) targeting physical activity and/or dietary behaviors in pediatric oncology. Fourteen quantitative studies were included, evaluating interventions that used a combination of two or three different treatment modalities. Overall, studies demonstrated that it is feasible to implement CBI and that they can potentially improve physical activity and dietary behaviors as well as patient outcomes such as physical and psychological health. Unfortunately, due to a paucity of studies and the heterogeneity of the studies included in this review, no conclusive evidence favoring specific interventions were identified.

Promoting positive physical activity behaviours in children undergoing acute cancer treatment: feasibility of the CanMOVE intervention

“…Increasing importance is placed on theory-driven behaviour change programs. 17 , 18 , 40 CanMOVE is a feasible physical activity behaviour change intervention for children/adolescents undergoing acute treatment. There was high demand, high acceptability from participants and staff, and no serious adverse events related to the intervention.…”

“…Another key feature of CanMOVE was parental engagement. Parents play an integral role in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours, 18 and literature supports their involvement in physical activity interventions. 43 Results indicate CanMOVE was helpful in overcoming parental overprotection, a behaviour commonly seen in this setting.…”

“… 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 Undertaking a behavioural approach to physical activity promotion is supported widely in healthcare, including paediatric cancer settings. 17 , 18 Studies employing behaviour change strategies to increase physical activity participation for children/adolescents with cancer exist. 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 Yet, previous investigations focus on less intensive treatment phases, lack theory-based processes and are not explicit about the behaviour change techniques implemented.…”