Abstract
BackgroundLow levels of physical activity, musculoskeletal morbidity and weight gain are commonly reported problems in children with cancer. Intensive medical treatment and a decline in physical activity may also result in reduced motor performance. Therefore, simple and inexpensive ways to promote physical activity and exercise are becoming an increasingly important part of children’s cancer treatment.MethodsThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of active video games in promotion of physical activity in children with cancer. The research is conducted as a parallel randomized clinical trial with follow-up. Patients between 3 and 16 years old, diagnosed with cancer and treated with vincristine in two specialized medical centers are asked to participate. Based on statistical estimates, the target enrollment is 40 patients. The intervention includes playing elective active video games and, in addition, education and consultations for the family. The control group will receive a general recommendation for physical activity for 30 minutes per day. The main outcomes are the amount of physical activity and sedentary behavior. Other outcomes include motor performance, fatigue and metabolic risk factors. The outcomes are examined with questionnaires, diaries, physical examinations and blood tests at baseline and at 2, 6, 12 and 30 months after the baseline. Additionally, the children’s perceptions of the most enjoyable activation methods are explored through an interview at 2 months.DiscussionThis trial will help to answer the question of whether playing active video games is beneficial for children with cancer. It will also provide further reasoning for physical activity promotion and training of motor skills during treatment.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01748058 (October 15, 2012).
Highlights
Low levels of physical activity, musculoskeletal morbidity and weight gain are commonly reported problems in children with cancer
Physical fitness is lower in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors than in their healthy peers [20]
Study aims The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of active video games with regard to the promotion of physical activity in children with cancer
Summary
Low levels of physical activity, musculoskeletal morbidity and weight gain are commonly reported problems in children with cancer. Previous studies indicate that children with cancer gain weight during their treatment and have difficulties most important factor in achieving a normal bone mass in childhood leukemia survivors [11]. Cancer treatments such as vinca-alkaloids may cause peripheral motor or sensory neuropathy, leading to clumsiness, muscular weakness and deficient motor skills. When physical activity decreases, due to many factors during treatment [19], and the disease and the treatment’s side effects affect the child, his/her motor performance and motor skill development usually lags behind that of healthy peers. Physical fitness is lower in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors than in their healthy peers [20]
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