Graded Versus Constant-Load Aerobic Exercise in Pediatric Leukemia Survivors: A 12-Week RCT on Cardiorespiratory...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors often experience impaired cardiorespiratory fitness, affecting functional performance.
• Aerobic exercise is recommended, but specific training protocols require further evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of constant-load aerobic exercise (CL-AEx) and graded aerobic exercise (G-AEx) on cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capability in pediatric ALL survivors.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-two pediatric ALL survivors were randomized into CL-AEx, G-AEx, or control groups.
• Assessed cardiorespiratory fitness (peak VO2, VE, VE/VO2, RER, peak O2P, max HR, HHR1) and functional performance (6MWT, 4x10-mSRT, TUDS) pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The G-AEx group showed significantly greater improvements in cardiorespiratory and functional outcomes than CL-AEx and control groups (p < 0.05).
• G-AEx led to significant increases in peak VO2, VE, VE/VO2, peak O2P, HHR1, and improved RER efficiency.
• Functionally, G-AEx resulted in superior 6MWT distance and faster 4x10-mSRT and TUDS completion times.

Conclusions:

• G-AEx demonstrated superior improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and functional performance compared to CL-AEx over 12 weeks in pediatric ALL survivors.
• G-AEx is an effective modality for addressing physical deconditioning in this population.
• Incorporating G-AEx into clinical rehabilitation can enhance physiological and functional recovery during survivorship.