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Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercise for Children Undergoing Treatment for Cancer: A Systematic Review
Miriam Linero-Bocanegra1, Celia García-Conejo, Laura Ramírez-Pérez
1Grupo de Investigación Clinimetría F-14, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, Spain (Mss Linero-Bocanegra, García-Conejo, and Ramírez-Pérez, and Drs Cuesta-Vargas and Trinidad-Fernández); Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain (Mss García-Conejo and Ramírez-Pérez and Drs Cuesta-Vargas and Trinidad-Fernández).
Insights
Therapeutic physical exercise (TPE) programs significantly improve strength, reduce fatigue, and enhance quality of life in children with cancer. These interventions also boost cardiorespiratory capacity and physical activity levels during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Cancer treatment in children can negatively impact physical functioning and psychosocial well-being.
- Maintaining physical capacity and quality of life is crucial during pediatric cancer therapy.
Approach:
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted.
- Studies focused on children (<18 years) undergoing cancer treatment utilizing therapeutic physical exercise (TPE).
- Outcomes assessed included physical functioning, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life.
Key Points:
- Seven randomized controlled trials were analyzed.
- TPE interventions demonstrated improvements in strength and reductions in fatigue.
- Enhanced cardiorespiratory capacity and physical activity levels were observed in TPE groups.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic physical exercise programs are vital for children undergoing cancer treatment.
- TPE helps maintain physical capacities and combat inactivity.
- Integrating TPE supports overall well-being during pediatric cancer care.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic physical exercise (TPE) interventions on the physical functioning, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life (QoL) of children undergoing treatment for cancer.
Method:
Systematic review: databases were searched in April 2023. Selection criteria: children (<18 years old) undergoing treatment for cancer or a malignant neoplasm, randomized controlled trial design, utilization of TPE, and including physical and psychosocial outcomes. Internal validity was measured with Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.
Results:
Seven randomized controlled trials were included. Most studies showed that strength, fatigue, and QoL improved after the intervention. Cardiorespiratory capacity through 6-minute walk test and physical activity levels were better in the experimental groups. No changes were noted in other variables.
Conclusions:
This review supports the importance of a TPE program during cancer treatment, with the aim of maintaining physical capacities and counteracting physical inactivity.
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