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Clinical exercise interventions in pediatric oncology: a systematic review
Freerk T Baumann1, Wilhelm Bloch, Julia Beulertz
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sport Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany.
Pediatric Research
|July 17, 2013
Summary
Physical activity benefits children undergoing cancer treatment, improving fatigue and quality of life. Further research is needed to establish specific exercise guidelines for pediatric oncology patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Exercise Science
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Physical activity positively impacts disease and treatment side effects in pediatric oncology.
- Existing reviews confirm therapeutic exercise benefits for adult cancer patients.
- A systematic review on physical activity in pediatric oncology is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the evidence of physical activity interventions in pediatric oncology.
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effects of exercise in childhood cancer patients.
- To identify gaps in current research regarding child-specific outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and the Cochrane library.
- A total of 17 studies were identified and evaluated.
- The Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine 2001 system was used for evidence evaluation.
Main Results:
- Clinical exercise interventions are feasible and safe for pediatric oncology patients, particularly those with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during treatment.
- Positive effects were observed in fatigue, strength, and quality of life.
- Potential benefits were noted for the immune system, body composition, sleep, and physical functioning, though child-specific aspects like cognitive abilities and growth require more attention.
Conclusions:
- Exercise interventions show promising results for improving outcomes in pediatric cancer patients.
- Current evidence is rated as level 3, indicating a need for higher methodological quality research.
- Future research should focus on child-specific aspects to develop evidence-based exercise recommendations for childhood cancer survivors.
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