Einfluss einer vierwöchigen familienorientierten Rehabilitation auf die motorische Leistungsfähigkeit, Lebensqualität und Fatigue bei krebskranken Kindern und gesunden Geschwistern

Aim In Germany all childhood cancer patients and their families are offered the opportunity to participate in a four-week, family-oriented, inpatient rehabilitation program in order to facilitate (re-)integration into everyday life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of this rehabilitation program on motor performance, quality of life (QoL) and fatigue.MethodsMotor performance, QoL and fatigue were assessed in 22 childhood cancer patients and 20 healthy siblings at the beginning (t1) and the end (t2) of the four-week rehabilitation program, as well as 6 months later (t3).ResultsAt t1 significant differences between groups were found in motor performance and physical well-being. Improvements in motor performance, QoL and fatigue were found in both groups.ConclusionDifferent preconditions must be considered. Childhood cancer patients as well as healthy siblings benefit from a family-oriented rehabilitation program.