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Interactive Video Games as a Method to Increase Physical Activity Levels in Children Treated for Leukemia
Aleksandra Kowaluk1, Marek Woźniewski1
1Department of Physiotherapy in Surgical Medicine and Oncology, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 23, 2022
Summary
Interactive video games (IVGs) offer a feasible and engaging way to increase physical activity in children undergoing cancer treatment. This approach promotes light to moderate exercise, improving energy expenditure and rehabilitation outcomes for pediatric cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Children undergoing cancer treatment often exhibit low physical activity levels, impacting their overall health and recovery.
- Interactive video games (IVGs) present a novel and potentially engaging modality to encourage physical activity in this population.
- There is a need to explore effective and attractive rehabilitation strategies for pediatric cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program utilizing IVGs in children undergoing leukemia treatment.
- To assess the feasibility and impact of IVG-based physical activity on cardiorespiratory fitness and perceived exertion in pediatric cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 21 children (aged 7-13) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
- Intervention group participated in 12 IVG sessions; control group received standard care.
- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), HBSC questionnaire for daily physical activity, and Children's Effort Rating Table Scale (CERT) for perceived exertion.
- Feasibility assessed by completion of a progressive training program.
Main Results:
- All study participants successfully completed the progressive training program, demonstrating the feasibility of IVG-based exercise for pediatric cancer patients.
- Patients reported that IVG training involved light to moderate physical effort, despite significant energy expenditure (EE).
- The study confirmed the potential of IVGs as a viable tool for enhancing physical activity in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- IVG-based rehabilitation is a feasible and well-tolerated intervention for children undergoing leukemia treatment.
- This approach can facilitate increased physical activity and energy expenditure in pediatric cancer patients.
- IVGs represent a promising avenue for improving the physical well-being and rehabilitation of children with cancer.
