A systematic review of exercise as a therapeutic intervention to improve
Quality of Life and Cancer Related Fatigue in Paediatric Cancer Care
Abstract
Objective: To review the evidence that personalised physical activity is
a feasible and acceptable means of significantly improving quality of
life (QoL) and cancer related fatigue (CRF) in childhood cancer.
Methods: Seven databases/registers were searched for studies evaluating
exercise interventions in paediatric cancer (2013-2023). Studies
included patients ages 3-25 years, with any cancer type, undergoing
exercise interventions during active treatment. Thirteen studies (551
participants) were included. Primary outcome measures analysed were CRF
and QoL. Results: Three of eight studies (N=105) measuring CRF revealed
significant reduction in total fatigue score (p=0.001, 0.01, 0.026). All
others demonstrated a non-significant reduction in CRF in the
intervention group (mean -5.7 (±8.82 pooled SD)). One of ten papers
(N=99) measuring QoL reported significant improvement (p=0.014), with
non-significant favourable outcomes (mean change +3.47) in all remaining
studies. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Physical activity
is a feasible way to improve CRF and QoL in children undergoing cancer
treatment.