Implementing a behavioral physical activity program in children and adolescent survivors of childhood cancer: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Purpose We aimed to document the acceptability (enrollment rate) and feasibility (phone call delivery rate) of implementing a behavioral PA intervention over 12 weeks, in addition to documenting its effects on patient-reported outcomes and physical functioning. This study also describes the costs of carrying out a behavioral PA intervention. A total of 40 participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio. The tailored behavioral PA intervention was developed based on the most recent PA guidelines in pediatric oncology and on the COM-B framework to enact PA behavior changes. The prescription (frequency, intensity, time and type (FITT)) was adjusted each week during the weekly support calls. The control group did not receive the intervention. 26 males and 14 females (13.6 years old on average and 2.9 years post-cancer treatment on average) participated in our study. The acceptability rate was 90.9% and the feasibility rate was > 85%. We found that 85% improved PA frequency, 80% improved PA intensity, 100% improved PA time, and 50.0% achieved the recommended PA guidelines. No adverse events were reported over the duration of the intervention. Physical function improved with longer 6-minute walk distances in the intervention group (465.8 ± 74.5 m) than in the control group (398.7 ± 92.9 m) (p = 0.016). PROs scores for all participants were within the limits of the normal range. The estimated cost per participant of carrying out this intervention was USD $126.57. Our 12-week behavioral PA intervention, based on the COM-B framework, was found to be acceptable, feasible and safe in childhood cancer survivors. This study is an important step in the right direction to make exercise standard practice in pediatric oncology.

Physical activity and physical fitness assessments in adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: This scoping review describes the assessment methodologies for physical activity (PA) and physical fitness assessments used in studies focusing on adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer. METHODS: A search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library following the PRISMA-ScR statement. A total of 34 studies were included in this review. RESULTS: PA was primarily assessed via self-reported questionnaires (30/34) either completed in-person (n = 17) or online (n = 13) at different time points and different stages along the cancer trajectory (i.e., from diagnosis onward). A total of 9 studies conducted a physical fitness assessment. CONCLUSIONS: PA and physical fitness measurements are key when trying to describe outcomes, assess for associations, track changes, measure intervention adherence, and test intervention efficacy and effectiveness. Considerable heterogeneity across studies was reported limiting the generation of formal recommendations or guidance for researchers, healthcare providers, and policy makers.