The international Pediatric Oncology Exercise Guidelines (iPOEG)

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Exercise Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) and exercise are safe and beneficial for children and adolescents with cancer.
• This population is currently not active enough to gain health benefits.
• PA guidelines can drive behavior change and improve practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop the international Pediatric Oncology Exercise Guidelines (iPOEG).
• To create guideline and recommendation statements promoting PA in pediatric cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Guideline development procedures, stakeholder engagement, and the Delphi technique were employed.
• Four online surveys were distributed to an expert network (n=131).
• Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis, with consensus defined as ≥80% agreement.

Main Results:

• The iPOEG network reached consensus on four guideline and five recommendation statements.
• Statements emphasize the importance of movement for all children and adolescents affected by cancer.
• Current statements are generic, acknowledging the need for more research on specific PA parameters.

Conclusions:

• The iPOEG statements represent current evidence and expert opinion.
• There is a collective call to action for increased physical activity in pediatric cancer patients.
• Further research is needed to provide specific PA guidance for this population.