Benefits of Physiotherapy Interventions in Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background: Survival rates of pediatric and childhood cancer are about 80% in 5 years, which suggests that side effects may appear a while after oncological treatment and can be associated with other health impairments. Early rehabilitation interventions, such as exercise-based physiotherapy, help reduce side effects and maintain an adequate physical condition, thereby improving daily capacity and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL). The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to demonstrate which are the most common strategies performed in child and adolescent survivors of childhood cancer to improve their HRQoL and their physical condition. Methods: Two reviewers searched four databases to identify studies that evaluated the effects of physiotherapy and exercise interventions in child and adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. Results: Nine studies performing different exercise interventions were included. The most commonly evaluated outcomes were HRQoL, fatigue, and depression. Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis, with no significant results achieved. Conclusions: Aerobic interventions are the most common strategies performed in child and adolescent survivors of childhood cancer to improve their HRQoL. Depression and fatigue seem to improve with these interventions, but more research is needed to confirm these results. Our meta-analysis revealed inconsistent results supporting the use of exercise interventions in this population.