Exercise for Pediatric Cancer
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Overseen byJennifer Pope, MD
Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: Jamie Mochel
Disqualifiers: Cardiac dysfunction, Recent surgery, CNS tumor, Osteosarcoma
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of this study is to see if there are physical and emotional benefits to participating in a structured exercise regimen for those who are ages 2-25, are newly diagnosed with a blood or solid tumor cancer, and are currently undergoing or will begin cancer treatment.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial team or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Just Move Exercise for pediatric cancer?
Research shows that exercise interventions for children with cancer are safe and can improve health without causing harm. Studies highlight good adherence to exercise programs and positive health trends, suggesting that regular physical activity can help manage the side effects of cancer treatment in children.
12345Is exercise safe for children with cancer?
Exercise programs for children with cancer have been shown to be safe, with no reported harmful effects. Studies recommend supervised and adaptable exercise activities to support health without causing harm.
23467How is exercise therapy different from other treatments for pediatric cancer?
Exercise therapy for pediatric cancer is unique because it focuses on promoting physical activity to counteract the negative side effects of cancer treatment, such as reduced motor development and increased psychological stress. Unlike traditional medical treatments, it involves individualized, supervised exercise programs that adapt to the child's changing abilities, aiming to improve overall health and well-being during and after cancer treatment.
23458Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for children and young adults aged 2-25 who have been newly diagnosed with blood or solid tumor cancers, excluding osteosarcoma and primary CNS tumors. Participants must be starting or undergoing cancer treatment expected to last at least 3 months, able to understand English or Spanish, and capable of following the study's procedures.Inclusion Criteria
I am between 2 and 25 years old.
I (or my parent/guardian) can read and understand English or Spanish.
I have been recently diagnosed with cancer and plan to start chemotherapy.
+2 more
Exclusion Criteria
Known cardiac dysfunction that, in the opinion of the investigator, would be unsafe for the child to participate in the exercise program
I have had or will have surgery soon that limits my movement significantly.
I have been diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
+1 more
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2-4 weeks
Treatment
Participants engage in a structured exercise regimen while undergoing chemotherapy and childhood cancer treatment
18 months
Regular exercise sessions, 5 days per week
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
4 weeks
Participant Groups
The trial is testing two exercise programs: a standard care routine versus a 'Just Move' regimen. It aims to determine if structured physical activity can provide physical and emotional benefits during cancer treatment for pediatric patients.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: SOC EXERExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Standard of Care Exercise
Group II: EXERExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
"Just Move" exercises
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Levine Children's HospitalCharlotte, NC
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Jamie MochelLead Sponsor
Wake Forest University Health SciencesLead Sponsor
Atrium Health Levine Cancer InstituteCollaborator
References
A Scoping Review of Physical Therapy Interventions for Childhood Cancers. [2023]Purpose: Children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment are at high risk of developing serious adverse effects, many of which respond to physical therapy (PT). This scoping review aims to (1) outline the state of the research involving PT for children with cancer and (2) identify gaps in the literature for future research. Method: From January 2002 to October 2017, we conducted electronic searches of three major databases and conference proceedings and checked references of screened articles. Results: A total of 12 articles were included in the review: one randomized controlled trial, one pilot randomized trial, five pilot or feasibility studies, two prospective studies, one case series, one case report, and one retrospective study. The research to date supports the feasibility of PT interventions for children with cancer, but the current evidence is not yet at a level to inform clinical practice. To better elucidate treatment protocols and assess their benefits for tumour-specific impairments, research needs to examine the effects of PT on specific impairments or for specific cancer tumour types. Conclusions: Collaborative efforts to conduct multi-centre trials are needed to further the field of paediatric oncology PT.
Feasibility and parent satisfaction of a physical therapy intervention program for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the first 6 months of medical treatment. [2011]Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at risk for developing musculoskeletal complications during and after their medical treatment. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of an in-hospital physical therapy- and home exercise program during the first four phases of medical treatment, for children with newly diagnosed ALL.
Exercise interventions for patients with pediatric cancer during inpatient acute care: A systematic review of literature. [2022]Physical inactivity has been shown to exacerbate negative side effects experienced by pediatric patients undergoing cancer therapy. Exercise interventions are being created in response. This review summarizes current exercise intervention data in the inpatient pediatric oncology setting. Two independent reviewers collected literature from three databases, and analyzed data following the PRISMA statement for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Ten studies were included, representing 204 patients. Good adherence, positive trends in health status, and no adverse events were noted. Common strategies included individual, supervised, combination training with adaptability to meet fluctuating patient abilities. We recommend that general physical activity programming be offered to pediatric oncology inpatients.
Multidisciplinary Network ActiveOncoKids guidelines for providing movement and exercise in pediatric oncology: Consensus-based recommendations. [2022]Pediatric cancer leads to reduced participation in exercise and only few patients comply with national physical activity recommendations. Physically inactive behavior hinders motor development and increases physical and psychological adverse effects of therapy and incidence of sequelae. Currently, there is neither nationwide coverage nor uniform level of knowledge regarding exercise promotion. The objective of the guideline is to facilitate qualified exercise interventions through standardized procedures in addition to regular physiotherapy and overall avoid physical inactivity in pediatric cancer patients.
Advancing the Field of Pediatric Exercise Oncology: Research and Innovation Needs. [2021]The field of pediatric exercise oncology explores the relationships between physical activity (PA), including exercise, and a range of outcomes among children and adolescents affected by cancer. Although PA is safe and beneficial for this population, several important gaps in knowledge and practice remain. In this article, we describe research and innovation needs that were developed with a team of international experts and relevant literature, a series of online surveys, and an in-person meeting. Addressing these needs will contribute valuable knowledge and practice outputs to advance this field, ultimately enabling a greater number of children and adolescents affected by cancer to realize the benefits of moving more.
Effects of a 6-Month, Group-Based, Therapeutic Exercise Program for Childhood Cancer Outpatients on Motor Performance, Level of Activity, and Quality of Life. [2022]Exercise interventions in pediatric oncology are feasible and safe. However, scarce data are available with regard to the effectiveness of outpatient, group-based exercise interventions. As well, the potential role of exercise to improve motor performance has not been adequately explored despite being a meaningful outcome during childhood with important implications for physical activity behavior. No study has yet demonstrated significant changes in motor performance after an exercise intervention.
The effect of exercise and motor interventions on physical activity and motor outcomes during and after medical intervention for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A systematic review. [2021]Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) experience detrimental effects on motor function during and after chemotherapy. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of exercise and motor interventions on physical activity and motor outcomes of children with ALL during and after chemotherapy.
[Quality Characteristics and Prevalence of Exercise Therapy During Childhood Cancer Treatment in Germany]. [2018]Background Exercise and adapted physical activity during and after treatment for childhood cancer have a large potential to diminish several side and late effects of treatment. However, the prevalence of such interventions is low. The aim of this investigation is to identify interventions in the clinical setting in Germany and to examine their quality and structural characteristics. Method 54 hospitals were investigated for the existence of relevant interventions and if applicable the quality and structural characteristics of these according to DIN EN 15224:2012 and further characteristics of structural quality in written form or by telephone. Results 48 hospitals took part in the investigation and filled out the questionnaire (CR 89%). Of these, 9 (19%) offer exercise therapy during treatment and/or aftercare. The remaining 39 (81%) did not offer exercise therapy at the time of investigation. Exercise therapy represents a permanent component of adjuvant treatment in the 9 identified hospitals. The qualifications of exercise therapy staff seem appropriate as well as conditions concerning rooms and equipment. Yet, funding of exercise therapy is mainly realized through donations and 3rd party funds. Conclusion The majority of childhood cancer patients in Germany do not have access to adapted physical activity during treatment or aftercare. The body of evidence for exercise therapy in the pediatric oncology setting is growing, as well as the network between exercise scientists/therapists in this field. To date, an exercise manual for pediatric oncology in German and a comprehensive financing option of such interventions via health insurance is not available.