Functional capacity of children with leukemia.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Child Health

Background:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common childhood cancer.
• Treatment for ALL can impact a child's physical function and overall well-being.
• Assessing functional capacity and quality of life is crucial for comprehensive pediatric cancer care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the functional capacity and quality of life of children undergoing ALL treatment with healthy controls.
• To identify specific areas of functional deficit in children with ALL.
• To evaluate the potential for physical activity participation in these children.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 15 children with ALL on maintenance therapy was compared to 15 healthy controls.
• Functional capacity was measured using VO2peak, ventilatory threshold, and the Timed Up and Down Stairs test (TUDS).
• Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM) and Quality of Life (QOL) via the CHIP-CE/CRF were also assessed.

Main Results:

• Children with ALL demonstrated significantly lower peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM).
• Patients reported significantly lower satisfaction, comfort, and resilience compared to controls.
• Despite deficits, the physical condition of children with ALL remained adequate for physical activity.

Conclusions:

• Children receiving ALL treatment exhibit diminished functional capacity and quality of life.
• These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and supporting physical and psychosocial well-being during ALL treatment.
• Children with ALL can benefit from participation in supervised exercise programs.