A Randomized Trial of Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents with Cancer

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Malignant diseases and anticancer treatments alter physical activity and performance in children and adolescents. Physical inactivity may cause both early and long-term complications, increasing the disease-associated burden. However, data on the safety and efficacy of physical activity programs in children with cancer are still scarce. In this randomized controlled open-label clinical trial that included 80 children and adolescents with cancer, the six-minute walk test distance (evaluating exercise capacity) was improved in the intervention group (physical activity program) vs. the control group (86 ± 12 m vs. 32 ± 6 m), a significant difference. Several other physical parameters (flexibility, balance, upper and lower limb strength, trunk and abdominal muscle endurance), global self-esteem and parent-reported quality of life were also better in the intervention group. In children and adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer, a physical activity program is safe, improves exercise capacity, and may have persistent physical and psychological benefits. ABSTRACT: Background: to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a physical activity program (PAP) in children and adolescents with cancer. Methods: children and adolescents with cancer were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the six-month PAP (intervention group) or to the control group. The first evaluation was performed at the end of the PAP (T0 + 6 mo). At T0 + 6 mo, both groups received the six-month PAP with a second evaluation at T0 + 12 mo. The primary outcome was the evolution of exercise capacity measured using the six-minute walk test (6 MWT) at T0 + 6 mo. Secondary outcomes included PAP safety and changes in other physical functions, self-esteem, and quality-of-life parameters. Results: The trial involved 80 children and adolescents (age range 5.0–18.4 years), of whom 41 were assigned to the interventional group and 39 to the control group. Underlying malignancies were leukemia (39%) and a broad range of solid tumors (61%). No adverse events occurred. At T0 + 6 mo, the evolution of the 6 MWT distance (±SEM) was improved in the intervention group vs. the control group (86 ± 12 m vs. 32 ± 6 m, p < 0.001). Several other physical parameters were significantly improved in the intervention group. Global self-esteem and parent-reported quality-of-life were significantly increased in the intervention group. Analysis at T0 + 12 mo showed persistence of the benefits in the intervention group on exercise capacity evolution (115 ± 18 m vs. 49 ± 11 m, p = 0.004) and on most physical and QoL parameters. Conclusion: In children and adolescents with cancer, a physical activity program is safe, improves exercise capacity, and may have physical and psychological benefits.