Effectiveness of exergaming in reducing cancer-related fatigue among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effectiveness of the newly emerging technology of exergaming in reducing Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF). OBJECTIVES: The study’s primary aim was to examine the effectiveness of exergaming in reducing CRF; the secondary aims were to improve functional capacity/endurance and promote physical activity (PA) among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS: In this Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), 45 children aged 6–14 years were randomly assigned into group-I, n = 22, and group II, n = 23. Group-I played exergaming of moderate intensity for 60 min, twice a week for three weeks. Group II was given an instructional session regarding the benefits of PA with advice to practice PA for 60 min twice a week. CRF, functional capacity/endurance, and PA were measured using the pediatric quality of life multidimensional fatigue scale (Ped-QLMFS), six-minute walk test (6-MWT), and Godin-Shepard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (QSLTPAQ) respectively. All measurements were taken thrice; in the first, third, and fifth weeks of intervention. RESULTS: Group-I demonstrated a significant reduction of CRF, and a significant increase of functional capacity/endurance compared to group-II over the five weeks study period. The effect of time × intervention interaction was significant. Based on Cohen’s guidelines, CRF and functional capacity/endurance had large effect sizes (η(2) = 0.41, p = .00) and (η(2) = 0.27, p = .00) respectively. CONCLUSION: The protocol of exergaming used in this RCT effectively reduces CRF and promotes functional capacity/endurance and PA in children with ALL undergoing chemotherapy. It may provide an alternative treatment modality to decrease the healthcare load. KEY MESSAGES: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is described as physical exhaustion, sleep disturbance, emotional distress, and cognitive dysfunction. Exergaming reduces CRF and promotes functional capacity/endurance and physical activity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing chemotherapy. Exergaming may provide an alternative treatment modality to decrease the healthcare load.