Game-Based Physical Activity for Childhood Cancer Survivors

Overseen By Danielle Friedman, MD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Severe asthma, Coronary artery disease, Musculoskeletal defects, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

48 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will test whether a game-based exercise plan can help increase the level of physical activity in childhood cancer survivors. The game-based exercise plan will involve participation by both a childhood cancer survivor and his/her parent or caregiver. This study will also look at whether the game-based exercise plan improves childhood cancer survivors' quality of life.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Game-Based Physical Activity for childhood cancer survivors?

Research shows that active video games can help improve physical function and motivation in cancer survivors, including children treated for brain tumors. These games can make exercise more enjoyable and encourage regular physical activity, which is important for improving health outcomes. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is game-based physical activity safe for childhood cancer survivors?

Research on active video games and digital activity trackers in cancer survivors suggests they are generally safe and feasible, with no significant adverse effects reported. These interventions have been used to improve physical activity and health outcomes in cancer survivors, indicating a positive safety profile. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

How is the Game-Based Physical Activity treatment different from other treatments for childhood cancer survivors?

Game-Based Physical Activity is unique because it uses active video games to encourage regular physical exercise, which can be more enjoyable and motivating for children. This approach not only promotes physical activity but also leverages peer support through group videoconferencing, making it a novel way to improve physical function and health outcomes in childhood cancer survivors. ^{3 4 9 10 11}

Research Team

Danielle Friedman, MD, MS

Principal Investigator

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for childhood cancer survivors aged 10-16 who've had cardiotoxic therapy, are off cancer treatment for 2+ years, and aren't currently active. They need a parent or guardian to join them in the study. Both must speak English, be able to do all activities required by the study, have mobiles with texting ability, and not have severe health issues that could make exercise unsafe.

Inclusion Criteria

Parent/legal guardian:

You have a phone that can send and receive text messages.

You are okay with receiving text messages every day.

Exclusion Criteria

Severe persistent asthma

Survivors, or parents/legal guardians of survivors, with a medical condition that makes it unsafe to complete study requirements are not eligible for this study. This includes a diagnosis of:

Musculoskeletal defects that interfere with sustained physical activity

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Pre-intervention Monitoring

Participants' step counts are recorded using a Fitbit device for baseline data

2 weeks

Data collection via wearable device

Intervention

Participants engage in a game-based exercise plan to increase physical activity

3 months

Regular virtual check-ins

Follow-up

Participants' physical activity and quality of life are monitored post-intervention

3 months

Data collection via wearable device

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Game-Based Physical Activity

Trial Overview The trial tests if a game-based exercise program using Fitbit Inspire HR can boost physical activity levels and improve life quality in young cancer survivors. Participants will follow this plan alongside their parents or caregivers who'll also answer questionnaires about the experience.

Participant Groups

Group I: childhood cancer survivors & and one parent/legal guardian Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

The study plans to recruit 30 childhood cancer survivors and a parent/legal guardian for each survivor. Participants will be provided with a Fitbit Inspire HR wearable device to record their step counts for two weeks pre-intervention, and over the six-month follow-up period (3-month intervention and 3month follow-up).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,998

Recruited

602,000+

Sohn Conference Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

50+

Findings from Research

The internet-delivered physical activity program (UCAN) had significant negative effects on motivation-related factors in cancer survivors, including self-efficacy and attitudes towards physical activity, as shown in a study of 95 participants.

Despite being based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the program did not improve motivation and may have methodological issues that affected the measurement of motivation in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A pilot study on the motivational effects of an internet-delivered physical activity behaviour change programme in Nova Scotian cancer survivors. Forbes, CC., Blanchard, CM., Mummery, WK., et al.[2018]

Active video gaming (AVG) was found to be a feasible and enjoyable way to promote regular physical exercise in children aged 7-17 who are survivors of brain tumors, with participants engaging in AVG for an average of 47 minutes on 72% of days.

The study showed a significant improvement in Body Coordination scores by 15% after 10-12 weeks of AVG, indicating that this intervention can enhance physical functioning in childhood brain tumor survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active video gaming improves body coordination in survivors of childhood brain tumours. Sabel, M., Sjölund, A., Broeren, J., et al.[2022]

Active video games (AVGs) combined with videoconferencing may help improve quality of life and reduce fatigue in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, based on a review of six studies.

However, the evidence for significant improvements in physical function is limited, indicating a need for more rigorous interventions specifically targeting AYA cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of active video games with or without videoconferencing on health outcomes in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a systematic review. Christopherson, U., Wells, SJ., Parker, N., et al.[2022]

A pilot study will assess the effectiveness of a 12-week physical activity intervention using personalized feedback from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to motivate cancer survivors, particularly those at high risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D).

The study aims to explore how daily glucose patterns relate to cancer-related insulin pathways and inflammation, potentially providing insights into the biological mechanisms by which physical activity can benefit cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using wearable biological sensors to provide personalized feedback to motivate behavioral changes: Study protocol for a randomized controlled physical activity intervention in cancer survivors (Project KNOWN). Liao, Y., Schembre, SM., Brannon, GE., et al.[2022]

Digital activity trackers (E-DATs) are feasible for use in cancer survivors, with adherence rates exceeding 70% in most studies, indicating that these tools can help patients stick to exercise regimens.

E-DATs significantly improved step counts, activity levels, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in cancer survivors compared to control groups, although they did not show significant changes in certain biomarkers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Exercise Interventions Using Digital Activity Trackers in Patients With Cancer. Schaffer, K., Panneerselvam, N., Loh, KP., et al.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Charity-based incentives motivate young adult cancer survivors to increase physical activity: a pilot randomized clinical trial. [2021]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A pilot study on the motivational effects of an internet-delivered physical activity behaviour change programme in Nova Scotian cancer survivors. [2018]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active video gaming improves body coordination in survivors of childhood brain tumours. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of active video games with or without videoconferencing on health outcomes in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a systematic review. [2022]

5. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gamified Text Messaging Contingent on Device-Measured Steps: Randomized Feasibility Study of a Physical Activity Intervention for Cancer Survivors. [2021]

6. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preferences for exercise and physical activity support in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a cross-sectional survey. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using wearable biological sensors to provide personalized feedback to motivate behavioral changes: Study protocol for a randomized controlled physical activity intervention in cancer survivors (Project KNOWN). [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Exercise Interventions Using Digital Activity Trackers in Patients With Cancer. [2021]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of an active video game intervention on physical activity, motor performance, and fatigue in children with cancer: a randomized controlled trial. [2020]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adapting a Videogame to the Needs of Pediatric Cancer Patients and Survivors. [2022]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized web-based physical activity intervention in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. [2023]