Indoor Wall Climbing with Childhood Cancer Survivors: An Exploratory Study on Feasibility and Benefits

Exercise interventions in pediatric oncology include primarily traditional types of physical activity (PA) such as endurance and strength training, while there is a growing interest in recreational types of PA for pediatric cancer survivors, as well. One of these motivating and fun activities is indoor wall climbing. Therefore, this exploratory study aims to evaluate the feasibility and beneficial effects of a 10-week indoor wall climbing intervention in pediatric oncology.

Thirteen childhood cancer survivors aged 6-21 years were included after cessation of their inpatient medical treatment of whom eleven completed the study.

Study participants completed measurements of physical functioning at baseline (t0) and post-intervention (t1), as well as a questionnaire on program satisfaction at t1.

Survivors participated in 57.43±31.77% of the climbing sessions and no adverse events occurred. Most study participants evaluated the climbing experience to be fun and motivational. One child stated that the climbing intervention was too exhausting/overstraining. Significant positive effects were found in terms of ankle DF-ROM and ankle DF strength.

Indoor wall climbing seems feasible with childhood cancer survivors and suggests beneficial potentials on physical functioning. However, some preconditions (i. e. close supervision; slow increase of intensity; sufficient breaks) must be ensured.

Indoor wall climbing could be a motivational adjunct to traditional types of exercise in pediatric oncology.