Abstract
The aim was to assess the level of physical activity and the quality of life of children undergoing cancer treatment, during and after the completion of the treatment. Eighty-eight children aged 11–15 were enrolled. Three groups of children were assessed, i.e., children undergoing cancer treatment (n = 30), children after cancer treatment (n = 28), and healthy children (n = 30). The level of physical activity in children was assessed using the questions from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) questionnaire. The assessment of children’s quality of life was conducted using the KIDSCREEN-10 Index. The chi-square test was used to assess the statistical significance of the differences in the results between the study groups in the case of both HBSC and KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaires. Children undergoing cancer treatment did not perform any physical activity of at least 60 min (in total) per day, during the week. Therefore, they did not meet the recommendations related to the appropriate level of daily physical activity (Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity; MVPA). Children after cancer treatment and healthy children significantly more frequently undertook physical activity. The quality of life of children with cancer is significantly lower and different from the quality of life of healthy children.
Highlights
The increasing effectiveness of treatment in pediatric oncology results in the fact that more children are successfully cured or achieve a long-term remission [1]
The aim of the study was to assess the level of physical activity and the quality of life of children during and after cancer treatment
Children undergoing treatment did not perform any physical activity during a week that lasted at least 60 min in total daily and, they did not meet the recommendations related to the appropriate level of daily physical activity (MVPA)
Summary
The increasing effectiveness of treatment in pediatric oncology results in the fact that more children are successfully cured or achieve a long-term remission [1]. In light of the above information, future health and the quality of life of these children become more significant. Treatment of childhood cancer is long-lasting and aggressive. Invasive examinations, lack of contact with peers, and subordination of life to the disease [2,3] lead to a decreased quality of life [4] and a significant reduction in the level of physical activity [5]. Decreased ability to perform daily activities [9] adversely affects the well-being and significantly reduces the quality of life of children undergoing treatment [4]
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