Rehabilitation including structured active play intervention for preschoolers with cancer during treatment: A RePlay qualitative study of parents' experiences.

PURPOSE: Preschool children receiving cancer treatment experience decreased gross motor function and challenges in personal and social development. For preschoolers, parents are critical for their child's cancer treatment trajectory, including their participation in physical activity. This study aimed to explore the parents' experiences with a novel rehabilitation intervention, including structured active play for preschoolers with cancer during treatment. METHOD: Through criterion sampling, 23 parents of 18 preschool children diagnosed with cancer were interviewed from August 2021 until April 2023. A hermeneutic-phenomenological-inspired inductive thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Based on 19 interviews with parents, three themes emerged: 1) pushing in the right direction, 2) sharing the responsibility, and 3) creating joyful experiences. The parents experienced that participation in the intervention resulted in physical progress for their child, and the child generally could develop personally and socially. The parents shared a common goal with a healthcare professional, who led the way in their child's physical development and gave them the space to participate with their child. The child actively chose to participate in structured active play, resulting in an altered perception of the hospital experience for both parents and children. CONCLUSION: The parents' experiences showed that with the support, knowledge, and expertise of an exercise professional, rehabilitation including structured active play can be a way to integrate movement and physical activity for preschoolers in their cancer treatment trajectory. The repetitive structure of the active play sessions was experienced as motivating for the children and simultaneously challenging their physical, social, and personal development. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04672681. Registered December 17, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04672681.

The potential of structured active play for social and personal development in preschoolers during cancer treatment: A qualitative RePlay study.

AIM: To explore the potential of a structured active play intervention to promote social and personal development in preschoolers during cancer treatment. DESIGN: A hermeneutic-phenomenological inspired explorative study. METHODS: Participant observations were conducted on 15 consecutively sampled children (aged 1-5 years) from April 2021 to April 2022. Observations were written as narrative scenic descriptions from field notes and were analysed inspired by hermeneutic-phenomenological analysis and using a thematic analysis structure. RESULTS: Observations were carried out during 67 group or individual structured active play sessions, resulting in 129 scenic descriptions. Observations of the children's emotional, verbal and bodily expressions and social interactions resulted in three main themes: (1) wanting to play, (2) gaining confidence in movement and (3) being part of a group. The findings showed how children, irrespective of age and the severity of their illness, wanted to play and expressed joy of movement. The children's daily physical state fluctuated and influenced their motivation to participate as well as their confidence in their physical abilities. Through structured active play and with support from their parents and healthcare professionals, the children had successful movement experiences and regained confidence in movement, supporting their personal development. Playing together with other children and accompanied by their parents, healthcare professionals supported the children's opportunities to practice social skills, such as turn-taking, waiting and taking charge. Familiarity, recognizability and fun were key motivational components for the children. CONCLUSION: Participating in structured active play during treatment has the potential to promote personal and social development in preschoolers with cancer. Parents play a crucial role in supporting the participation of their children. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: The healthcare system and healthcare professionals should provide opportunities for preschoolers with cancer and other illnesses to participate in structured active play. IMPACT: What problem did the study address? Cancer treatment affects the development of preschoolers' gross motor-, personal and social skills-essential skills in childhood development. This study aimed to explore the potential for social and personal development through structured active play. What were the main findings? This study found that preschoolers want to play, and participating in structured active play can support their personal and social development through regained confidence in movement and becoming part of a group. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The research impacts healthcare professionals working with preschoolers in the healthcare system. Creating opportunities for preschoolers to participate in structured active play throughout treatment can promote personal and social development. REPORTING METHOD: The study adheres to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and is reported according to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Participants in this study were preschoolers with cancer and their parents. No public or patient involvement in the design of this study. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04672681. Registered on December 17, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04672681.

Physical capacity in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the body of evidence on cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and physical performance in children with newly diagnosed cancer, five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Web of Science) were searched on December 19, 2022. METHODS: Thirteen studies, embodying 594 participants within 1 month of cancer diagnosis and 3674 healthy controls were included. Eighteen different outcomes on cardiorespiratory fitness (n = 2), muscle strength (n = 5), physical performance (n = 10), and adverse events (n = 1) were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen out of 17 outcomes on physical capacity showed severe impairments compared with healthy controls. Where possible, random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the results. No adverse events were reported related to testing. CONCLUSION: Children with cancer have impaired cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and physical performance within the first month after diagnosis. However, the evidence is based on a small number of studies with large clinical heterogeneity, limiting the certainty of evidence.

Children with cancer and their cardiorespiratory fitness and physical function-the long-term effects of a physical activity program during treatment: a multicenter non-randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the effects of a classmate-supported, supervised, in-hospital physical activity program during treatment primarily on cardiorespiratory fitness and secondarily on physical function. METHODS: A multicenter non-randomized controlled intervention study including children diagnosed with cancer, 6-18 years at diagnosis treated with chemo-/radiotherapy. The intervention comprised (i) an educational session on cancer in the child's school class; (ii) selection of two "ambassadors"-classmates who were co-admitted, supporting the child's everyday hospital life; and (iii) supervised in-hospital physical activity from diagnosis and throughout intensive treatment. One-year post-treatment, physical testing included cardiorespiratory fitness (primary outcome), Sit-to-Stand test, Timed-Up-and-Go, and Handgrip Strength. RESULTS: The intervention group included 75 of 120 children (61% boys, 13.4 ± 3.1 years); the control groups included 33 of 58 children with cancer (58% boys, 13.5 ± 2.5 years), and 94 age- and sex-matched children without a cancer history. One-year post-treatment, cardiorespiratory fitness tended to be higher in the intervention group (37.0 ± 6.0 mL/kg/min) than in the patient control group with cancer (32.3 ± 9.7 mL/kg/min) (mean difference 4.7 [0.4 to 9.1], p = 0.034). The intervention group performed better in the secondary outcomes. Compared with community controls, both patient groups had lower cardiorespiratory fitness. The patient control group had lower Sit-to-Stand, Timed Up and Go, and Handgrip Strength, while the intervention group had strength comparable to that of the community controls. CONCLUSIONS: Peer-supported, supervised, in-hospital physical activity during treatment may improve cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength 1-year post-treatment in children with cancer; however, survivors continue to have lower cardiorespiratory fitness than community controls. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Children with cancer may benefit from in-hospital physical activity in improving long-term cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength.

The rehabilitation including structured active play (RePlay) model: A conceptual model for organizing physical rehabilitation sessions based on structured active play for preschoolers with cancer.

Anti-cancer treatments, as well as cancer itself, reduce children's cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and gross motor functions. Early rehabilitation programs, including physical activity for childhood cancer patients, can counteract these adverse effects. Previous studies of school-aged children (6-18 years old) indicate that physical activity, including aerobic and resistance training, is safe, feasible, and effective. The goal of structured physical activity rehabilitation for preschool children (1-5 years old) is to support gross motor development and opportunities to move freely in various ways. Specific rehabilitation for preschoolers diagnosed with cancer is needed to promote physical-, social-, and personal development. This paper introduces a conceptual model-The RePlay (Rehabilitation including structured active play) Model-for organizing physical rehabilitation sessions based on structured active play for preschoolers with cancer. The theory and empirically based model combine knowledge of early childhood development, play, physical activity and rehabilitation for children with cancer, and cancer treatment. With this model, we propose how to structure rehabilitation sessions, including goal-oriented, age-sensitive, fun movement activities that facilitate preschoolers to develop gross motor skills while enhancing their social and personal skills, through four core principles: (1) ritual practices, (2) reinforcement of movement through repetition, (3) development through appropriate challenge, and (4) adjusting activities to accommodate treatment-related side effects. This model holds promise for use with preschoolers diagnosed with cancer, as it is scalable and pragmatic and accounts for the children's fluctuating physical capacity and daily wellbeing during cancer treatment.

Childhood cancer survivors' and their parents' experiences with participation in a physical and social intervention during cancer treatment: A RESPECT study.

AIMS: This study explores experiences of childhood cancer survivors and their parents with a combined physical and social activity intervention during treatment, including how the survivors and their parents perceive physical activity post-treatment. DESIGN: A process evaluation using semi-structured interviews. METHODS: Using a criterion-sampling strategy, 18 Danish childhood cancer survivors (aged 11-18 years) and their parents were interviewed from September 2019 through May 2020. Data analysis used an inductive thematic approach focused on meaning. RESULTS: Three themes emerged: (1) being physically active during hospitalization; (2) peers as motivators and (3) physical activity post-treatment. During hospitalization, daily motivation to do physical activity was dependent on the daily well-being, that is, presence of the side effects from the child's treatment. Healthy classmates provided distraction, reduced loneliness and promoted normality for those hospitalized. For most of the survivors, their healthy peers provided motivation for being physically active during treatment. When surplus energy was lacking, some survivors preferred doing physical activity alone with a professional. Those who were physically active in the hospital sustained being physically active post-treatment while their parents continued seeking advice about appropriate activity levels. CONCLUSION: Childhood cancer survivors and their parents benefited from the intervention which also provided guidance to remaining physically active post-treatment. This was particularly true for the participants with leukaemia. IMPACT: Healthcare professionals should support children with cancer to be physically active during hospitalization. Including social and physical components in their care plan and being aware of individual preferences is pivotal to improving the survivors' level of physical and social well-being during and post-treatment. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The participants were involved in designing the interview guides to ensure that the interview guides were understandable for the participants to provide rich descriptions of their experiences with a physical and social activity intervention during hospitalization.

Rehabilitation Including Structured Active Play for Preschoolers With Cancer (RePlay)-Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Children diagnosed with cancer experience muscle weakness and impaired physical function caused by treatment and related immobility. The situation forces them into a negative cycle of diminished participation in physical and leisure activities and isolation from peers; inhibiting the natural development of social and gross motor skills. This manuscript presents a protocol for a study that explores the effects of using structured active play to maintain preschoolers' age specific gross motor function and social and personal skills while undertaking intensive cancer treatment. Methods: The study is a two-arm, superiority randomized controlled trial with an intervention and a control group designed to evaluate the effects of a structured active play intervention on gross motor function. Gross motor subtests of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2) are used for measurement; with the primary end-point at 6 months post-treatment initiation. Eighty-four preschool children (aged 1-5 years), newly diagnosed with cancer at the Copenhagen University Hospital are randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group, using a 1:1 allocation. The intervention group receives a combined in-hospital and home-based program that includes structured active play activities, while the control group receives standard care, including physiotherapy. During hospital admission, the intervention group undertakes 45-min structured active play group sessions three times weekly, conducted by exercise professionals. Parents receive training and supervision to facilitate daily individual sessions outside of group sessions. Secondary study outcomes target the children's overall function level in everyday life, general physical performance, and health-related quality of life. As well, children's and parents' experiences within the intervention are explored and the children's social and personal development is observed. Discussion: Limited evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions, particularly those including active play, for preschoolers diagnosed with cancer. This manuscript reporting on a study protocol will enhance clarity and transparency in reporting and offer insights for others with interest in this same topic. Once completed, findings from this study could extend knowledge about the conduct and measurement of effectiveness in rehabilitation initiatives. If study findings suggest that the intervention is effective, structured active play may become a standard part of rehabilitation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04672681. Registered December 17, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04672681.

Integrative Neuromuscular Training in Adolescents and Children Treated for Cancer (INTERACT): Study Protocol for a Multicenter, Two-Arm Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Superiority Trial.

Background: Improved survival rates for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer call for novel strategies for reducing short- and long-term treatment-related side effects. These include the physical and metabolic sequelae that are exacerbated by sedentary behavior and treatment-induced toxicities. We aim to investigate the effect of an integrative neuromuscular training intervention during the first 6 months of anti-cancer treatment primarily on muscle strength, and secondarily on exercise capacity, physical function, markers of metabolic syndrome, dysmetabolism, and health-related quality of life during and after ended treatment. Methods: One hundred and twenty-seven children and adolescents, newly diagnosed with malignant and benign neoplasia, aged 6-17 years, and treated with chemotherapy or radiation will be randomized to either the intervention or the control arm of the study. The intervention group will, in addition to usual care, be offered a combination of 6 months of supervised physical exercise (integrative neuromuscular training) and home-based exercise. The active control group will, in addition to usual care, receive information along an unsupervised written home-based training program. All participants, including parents, will receive information about the importance of physical exercise during the course of cancer treatment, at the start of treatment, and in 5 monthly sessions. The primary outcome is measured in terms of isometric quadriceps muscle strength. Secondary outcomes include muscle strength and endurance, markers of metabolic syndrome and dysmetabolism, exercise capacity, physical function and activity, days of hospitalization, and health-related quality of life. Assessment will be conducted at treatment initiation (baseline), at 3 and 6 months after inclusion, and 1 month and 1 year after ended treatment. The primary endpoint for lower-body muscle strength is at 6 months after treatment initiation. The effects of the intervention will be evaluated through a constrained linear mixed model. Discussion: This national randomized controlled study has the potential to provide new knowledge concerning the short- and long-term effects of a novel, inclusive approach for youth exercise programming (integrative neuromuscular exercise) in children and adolescents during anti-cancer treatment. Using a pragmatic, low-cost, and time-efficient training design, this intervention can be easily adapted to both hospital and home settings. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04706676), first released January 5, 2021.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical performance after childhood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The effects of childhood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) on key organs can impair cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and physical performance. We aimed to provide an overview of childhood HSCT survivors' status on these parameters compared with healthy controls and discuss current insights into clinical risk factors. We performed a systematic search in six scientific databases, including studies published before April 2019 and performed a meta-analysis on cardiorespiratory fitness. Muscle strength and physical performance status were presented narratively. We included ten studies embodying 517 childhood HSCT survivors (mean 17.8 years at follow-up). The meta-analysis (n = 4 studies) showed that childhood HSCT survivors have lower cardiorespiratory fitness compared with healthy controls (Standard mean difference (SMD) -1.32 [95% CI -1-58 to -1.07]; I2 2%, p < 0.00001). Collectively, the studies indicated that childhood HSCT survivors have lower muscle strength (n = 4 studies) and physical performance (n = 3 studies) compared with healthy controls. Childhood HSCT survivors have impaired cardiorespiratory fitness years after ended treatment. Muscle strength and physical performance seem to be impaired, although these measures are insufficiently investigated. Associations between HSCT-specific clinical risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and physical performance are required.

Feasibility and Validity of the Actiheart Activity Monitor in Children Who Were Hospitalized With Cancer Coadmitted With Classmates: A RESPECT Study.

PURPOSE: We investigated the feasibility of the Actiheart monitor to determine total daily energy expenditure and the validity of the Actiheart step test as an accurate estimate of peak oxygen uptake. METHODS: (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 peak was estimated with the Actiheart step test and compared with a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Total daily energy expenditure was measured using the Actiheart monitor on days with and without classmate coadmission. RESULTS: Of 26 eligible measurement periods (15 children), 89% participated and 91% could participate safely; however, 35% fulfilled demands for valid monitoring. The percentage of children not completing the monitoring period was 10% (attrition) and adherence to classmate visits was 84%. Forty-eight percent of the measurement periods provided data, and only 27% was calibrated data. Actiheart step test significantly overestimated (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 peak compared with the Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Test. CONCLUSION: Measuring total daily energy expenditure using Actiheart is not feasible, nor implementable in children with cancer. Furthermore, the Actiheart step test is not a valid test to estimate (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 peak in children with cancer.