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Assessment of Fundamental Movement Skills in Childhood Cancer Patients
Fiona L Naumann1, Mitchell Hunt, Mitchel Hunt2
1Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
Insights
Children treated for cancer show lower fundamental movement skills (FMS) compared to healthy peers. Early FMS interventions may improve recovery and quality of life for childhood cancer survivors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric oncology
- Child development
- Motor skill acquisition
Background:
- Improved childhood cancer survival rates necessitate focus on long-term treatment effects.
- Cancer survivors face risks of developmental delays, disability, and chronic health conditions.
- Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) attainment is a key area of concern for pediatric cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare FMS in pediatric cancer patients with a healthy, age-matched reference group.
- To identify potential deficits in FMS among childhood cancer survivors.
Main Methods:
- Assessed seven key FMS (sprint, side gallop, vertical jump, catch, over-arm throw, kick, leap) in pediatric cancer patients (n=26, aged 5-8 years).
- Compared FMS results of cancer patients (completed treatment <5 years) to a reference group (n=430).
Main Results:
- Pediatric cancer patients scored significantly lower on three out of seven FMS tests.
- Overall FMS scores were significantly lower in the childhood cancer patient group compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Significant FMS deficits are evident in pediatric cancer patients post-treatment.
- FMS interventions are recommended to aid recovery, prevent late effects, and enhance survivors' quality of life.
Background:
The improved treatment protocols and subsequent improved survival rates among childhood cancer patients have shifted the focus toward the long-term consequences arising from cancer treatment. Children who have completed cancer treatment are at a greater risk of delayed development, diminished functioning, disability, compromised fundamental movement skill (FMS) attainment, and long-term chronic health conditions. The aim of the study was to compare FMS of childhood cancer patients with an aged matched healthy reference group.
Methods:
Pediatric cancer patients aged 5-8 years (n = 26; median age 6.91 years), who completed cancer treatment (<5 years) at the Sydney Children's Hospital, were assessed performing seven key FMS: sprint, side gallop, vertical jump, catch, over-arm throw, kick, and leap. Results were compared to the reference group (n = 430; 6.56 years).
Results:
Childhood cancer patients scored significantly lower on three out of seven FMS tests when compared to the reference group. These results equated to a significantly lower overall score for FMS.
Conclusions:
This study highlighted the significant deficits in FMS within pediatric patients having completed cancer treatment. In order to reduce the occurrence of significant FMS deficits in this population, FMS interventions may be warranted to assist in recovery from childhood cancer, prevent late effects, and improve the quality of life in survivors of childhood cancer.
