Physical Activity for Pediatric Cancer

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Nicole Culos-Reed, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Calgary

Disqualifiers: Completed treatment >3 months, Unable physical activity, Non-English, Parent unavailable

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

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 8-12 weeks

250 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a personalized online exercise program, referred to as "Physical Activity," can improve the well-being of young people with blood or cancer-related illnesses. Participants will engage in online exercise sessions tailored to their needs several times a week over 8 to 12 weeks. The trial aims to assess the impact of these activities on their health and determine the best ways to implement such programs. It seeks children and teens aged 5-18 who are currently receiving treatment for cancer or blood disorders or have completed treatment in the past three months. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance future care for young patients.

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 trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that this physical activity program is safe for pediatric cancer patients?

Research has shown that exercise is safe for children and teens undergoing cancer treatment. Studies indicate that exercise can enhance health outcomes for these young patients. For instance, supervised exercise programs are safe, with few injuries reported, making them a valuable addition to regular cancer care. One study found that supervised exercise is not only safe but also feasible during hospital stays. Overall, exercise improves both the physical health and well-being of kids with cancer. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using physical activity as a treatment for pediatric cancer patients because it represents a non-invasive approach that could improve overall well-being. Unlike traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, which focus on directly targeting cancer cells, physical activity aims to enhance the patient's quality of life through individualized exercise sessions. This approach can help boost energy levels, improve mood, and support physical recovery without the side effects commonly associated with conventional cancer therapies. By integrating physical activity into cancer care, researchers hope to offer a complementary method that supports both physical and mental health in young patients.

What evidence suggests that physical activity is effective for enhancing well-being in pediatric cancer patients?

Research shows that physical activity can greatly benefit young people with cancer. Studies have found that exercise improves both physical and mental health in children with cancer. For example, kids in exercise programs often report feeling fitter, stronger, and generally better. One study found that children who engaged in supervised exercise developed stronger muscles and healthier hearts and lungs. Another review noted that exercise might also enhance mood and improve cognitive skills during cancer treatment. Overall, the evidence suggests that regular exercise positively impacts the lives of young cancer patients. Participants in this trial will receive online, individualized physical activity sessions to explore these benefits further. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The IMPACT trial is for children and adolescents aged 5-18 with cancer or blood diseases, who are currently in treatment or finished within the last 3 months. They must participate alongside a caregiver.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder.

I am currently undergoing or about to start treatment for cancer or blood disorders, or I finished treatment less than 3 months ago.

Exclusion Criteria

My parent cannot be with me during my exercise sessions.

I finished my cancer treatment more than 3 months ago.

I am unable to do physical activities as determined by my healthcare team.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive online, individualized physical activity sessions 2-3 times/week for 15-45 minutes/session

8-12 weeks

Online sessions 2-3 times per week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 months

Follow-up assessments at 6 months and 1 year

Long-term Follow-up

Participants are monitored for long-term outcomes and maintenance of physical activity

1 year

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Physical Activity

Trial Overview This study tests an online physical activity program called IMPACT, designed to improve well-being in young patients with oncological or hematological conditions. It's a single-group study that will also look at how well the program works.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Physical activity Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be offered online, individualized physical activity sessions 2-3 times/week for 15-45 minutes/session for 8-12 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Calgary

Lead Sponsor

Trials

827

Recruited

902,000+

Stollery Children's Hospital

Collaborator

Trials

25

Recruited

25,900+

Canadian Cancer Society (CCS)

Collaborator

Trials

84

Recruited

42,100+

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Collaborator

Trials

1,417

Recruited

26,550,000+

Alberta Children's Hospital

Collaborator

Trials

58

Recruited

44,700+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The guideline emphasizes the importance of implementing standardized exercise interventions for pediatric cancer patients to combat physical inactivity, which can hinder motor development and worsen the side effects of therapy.

It includes 11 recommendations that cover the design of exercise programs, safety issues, and strategies to encourage participation, aiming to improve the overall health and well-being of children undergoing cancer treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Multidisciplinary Network ActiveOncoKids guidelines for providing movement and exercise in pediatric oncology: Consensus-based recommendations. Götte, M., Gauß, G., Dirksen, U., et al.[2022]

An inhospital exercise program combining aerobic and muscle strength training significantly increased muscle strength in pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with participants showing improvements of 40% in leg press and 24% in bench press after 19 weeks of training.

The program was safe, with no major adverse events reported, and participants maintained an adherence rate of 68%, indicating that exercise can be effectively integrated into the treatment regimen for young cancer patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Intervention in Pediatric Patients with Solid Tumors: The Physical Activity in Pediatric Cancer Trial. Fiuza-Luces, C., Padilla, JR., Soares-Miranda, L., et al.[2022]

A study involving 40 pediatric cancer patients revealed that most participants had positive attitudes towards exercise during treatment and valued a supervised exercise program, indicating a strong desire for physical activity support during hospital stays.

Barriers to exercise included physical, psychological, and organizational challenges, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that address these obstacles and involve education for patients, parents, and healthcare providers about the benefits of exercise in pediatric cancer care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Experience of barriers and motivations for physical activities and exercise during treatment of pediatric patients with cancer. Götte, M., Kesting, S., Winter, C., et al.[2022]

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of active video games in increasing physical activity among children with cancer, targeting 40 patients aged 3 to 16 undergoing treatment with vincristine.

The trial will assess various outcomes, including physical activity levels, motor performance, and fatigue, over a follow-up period of up to 30 months, providing insights into the potential benefits of integrating active video games into cancer treatment plans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active video games to promote physical activity in children with cancer: a randomized clinical trial with follow-up. Kauhanen, L., Järvelä, L., Lähteenmäki, PM., et al.[2022]

A 6-month group-based exercise program for childhood cancer outpatients significantly improved motor performance, activity levels, and emotional well-being compared to those receiving usual care and healthy peers.

This study highlights the potential of structured exercise interventions to enhance physical and emotional outcomes in pediatric oncology patients after their medical treatment ends.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a 6-Month, Group-Based, Therapeutic Exercise Program for Childhood Cancer Outpatients on Motor Performance, Level of Activity, and Quality of Life. Beulertz, J., Prokop, A., Rustler, V., et al.[2022]

In a study of 35,110 exercise interventions for pediatric cancer patients and survivors, serious adverse events (AEs) were rare, with only six Grade 2-3 AEs reported, resulting in an incidence of 17 per 100,000 interventions, indicating that supervised exercise programs are generally safe.

While Grade 1 AEs, such as muscle soreness and circulatory problems, were more common (2,800 per 100,000 interventions), these were typically mild and likely not directly caused by the exercise, suggesting that exercise can be safely integrated into cancer care for children.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse Events During Supervised Exercise Interventions in Pediatric Oncology-A Nationwide Survey. Gauß, G., Beller, R., Boos, J., et al.[2021]

A six-month physical activity program (PAP) for children and adolescents with cancer significantly improved exercise capacity, as measured by the six-minute walk test, with an increase of 86 meters compared to only 32 meters in the control group, indicating strong efficacy.

The PAP was found to be safe with no adverse events reported, and it also led to improvements in self-esteem and quality of life, with benefits persisting even 12 months after the program ended.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Randomized Trial of Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents with Cancer. Saultier, P., Vallet, C., Sotteau, F., et al.[2021]

Physical activity (PA) is safe and beneficial for children and adolescents with cancer, as confirmed by a scoping review of 20 review articles and 69 experimental studies, which showed improvements in various outcomes related to physical, psychosocial, and cognitive health.

Despite some reported adverse events like treatable injuries and fatigue, the overall evidence supports the positive impact of PA, highlighting the need for more rigorous research to better understand its effects and optimize interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Synthesizing the literature on physical activity among children and adolescents affected by cancer: evidence for the international Pediatric Oncology Exercise Guidelines (iPOEG). Wurz, A., McLaughlin, E., Lategan, C., et al.[2021]

A review identified 46 physical activity programs for children with cancer across 10 countries, primarily in Europe, indicating a growing international effort to support these children through exercise.

All programs were professionally supervised and most required medical clearance, emphasizing a focus on safety, though there was significant variability in program characteristics such as funding and activity frequency.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical activity programs for children diagnosed with cancer: an international environmental scan. Wurz, A., Daeggelmann, J., Albinati, N., et al.[2021]

Exercise interventions for pediatric cancer patients during inpatient treatment show good adherence and positive trends in health status, based on a review of 10 studies involving 204 patients.

No adverse events were reported, suggesting that physical activity programming can be safely integrated into the care of pediatric oncology inpatients to help mitigate the negative effects of inactivity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise interventions for patients with pediatric cancer during inpatient acute care: A systematic review of literature. Rustler, V., Hagerty, M., Daeggelmann, J., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7778568/

Physical activity for pediatric cancer survivors - PubMed Central The findings of all included studies suggest that physical activity interventions are feasible and acceptable to pediatric cancer survivors.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352464222002863

Physical activity and exercise for cancer-related cognitive ... Systematic reviews have shown that physical activity interventions might improve physical and psychosocial outcomes in individuals affected by childhood cancer, ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12025492/

Supervised Physical Activity Interventions in Children and ... Based on the reported outcomes, we defined the following six outcome categories: (1) cardiopulmonary fitness, (2) muscle strength, (3) physical ...

4. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2793354

Improving Physical Activity in Pediatric Cancer Survivors They found significant improvement in physical activity compared with the control group at 6 months and 12 months. Results also indicated ...

5. bmjopensem.bmj.com bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/9/1/e001466

a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised ... This review found some evidence that physical activity interventions may be useful in improving health outcomes in young people during treatment ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10048410/

Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity Levels on Childhood ... Exercise interventions had a positive effect on many physiological and psychological health outcomes in pediatric cancer patients and survivors.

7. researchprotocols.org researchprotocols.org/2022/3/e35838/

The Physical Activity and Fitness in Childhood Cancer ... The overall aim of the Physical Activity and Fitness in Childhood Cancer Survivors (PACCS) study is to address the abovementioned research gaps ...

8. bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-020-01634-6

Effects of a physical activity program from diagnosis on ... Peer-supported, supervised, in-hospital, physical activity is safe and feasible in children with cancer during treatment.