Abstract
Abstract Objective The objective of the study is to explore the effectiveness of task-oriented training (TOT) on occupational performance, functional independence, and fatigue of children with cancer. Method Two hundred and thirteen children (101 females, 112 males) with cancer were randomized to experimental (n = 112; 9.53±2.23 years) or control (n = 101; 7.93±1.98 years) groups. The experimental group received a TOT together with a conventional occupational therapy (COT), while the control group received only a COT. Both groups received 20 sessions of therapy. The outcomes regarding occupational performance via the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, functional independence via the Functional Independence Measure for Children and fatigue via the Visual Analog Scale were evaluated by the blind evaluators before and after the interventions in the hospital setting. Results The occupational performance and satisfaction (p<0.001) scores showed statistically significant differences in the experimental group compared to the control group (p<0.01). A statistically significant improvement was determined in functional independence for both groups (p< 0.001). The experimental group indicated a significant reduction in fatigue (p values for fatigue before, during, after activity, morning and evening: p< 0.001) and in the control group (P values for fatigue all situation: p< 0.05). Conclusion The TOT seems to ensure more beneficial effects in increasing occupational performance, improving functional independence in daily activities, and decreasing fatigue at the early phases of inpatient treatment of childhood cancer.
Highlights
Cancer is a leading cause of death for children and adolescents around the world, and its standardized annual incidence is usually between 70 and 160 per million at 0– 14 ages (Stiller, 2004)
The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of task-oriented training (TOT) on occupational performance and satisfaction, functional independence, and fatigue levels of children with childhood cancer
Our results show that TOT can be effective in increasing occupational performance and satisfaction levels and improving independent functional status in daily activities of living and in decreasing fatigue levels at the early phases in inpatient rehabilitation process
Summary
Cancer is a leading cause of death for children and adolescents around the world, and its standardized annual incidence is usually between 70 and 160 per million at 0– 14 ages (Stiller, 2004). The most common categories of childhood cancers involve leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas, and solid tumors (Steliarova-Foucher et al, 2017). The process of hospitalization and treatment lead up to activity participation restrictions and functional impairments in children with childhood cancers (Alfano et al, 2012). These processes as well as the side effects of drugs in the form of fatigue and weakness have negative
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
