Peak Oxygen Uptake and Exercise Capacity of Children Undergoing Leukemia Treatment

The aim of the study was to assess the exercise capacity (VO(2peak)) of children undergoing leukemia treatment and to compare the results with healthy children. Furthermore, we assessed the influence of treatment methods on the level of exercise capacity and the increase in sedentary behaviors. The study comprised 21 children (12 boys and 9 girls) undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (n = 13) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (n = 8). The subjects were aged 7–13 years (mean age 10.7, SD 2.0 years). Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by using the ergospirometry test. Progressive Godfrey protocol was performed. The level of physical activity was assessed by using the questions from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC 2018) questionnaire. The study results showed that children undergoing leukemia treatment were characterized by a reduced level of exercise capacity. The measured value of VO(2peak) in the group of treated children was, on average, 22.16 mL·kg(−1)·min(−1). The mean values of VO(2peak) predicted for this age group were 45.48 mL·kg(−1)·min(−1) (SD, 3.8). The measured value of VO(2peak) in the study group with the division into age groups was, on average, 21.21 mL·kg(−1)·min(−1) in the group of children aged 7–10 years. In the group of children aged 11–13 years, this parameter was 22.64 mL·kg(−1)·min(−1). Lack of physical activity and failure to meet the standards for the minimum level of weekly physical activity (MVPA index—moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) probably contribute to the deterioration in exercise capacity level of cancer-treated children.