TY - JOUR

T1 - Implementing Sustainable Physical Activity Opportunities in Pediatric Oncology –

T2 - Five-Year Experience of a Group-Based Exercise Program

AU - Däggelmann, Julia

AU - Prokop, Aram

AU - Lösse, Vivien

AU - Otten, Sarah

AU - Maas, Volker

AU - Bloch, Wilhelm

AU - Oschwald, Vanessa

PY - 2021/9

Y1 - 2021/9

N2 - Problem: Due to physical performance limitations and inactiv-ity after pediatric oncological treatment there is a strong need for childhood cancer-specific exercise opportunities. However, only few sustainable programs have been described in the liter-ature. This article aims to provide an example of implementing an exercise opportunity in pediatric oncology.Methods: Five-year data (May 2012 to May 2017) have been analyzed on adverse events, attendance rates and barriers to attendance of a group-based exercise program designed for childhood cancer patients after inpatient medical treatment. The exercise sessions included endurance, strength, coordination exercises, as well as relaxation and cooperative games and were offered once a week for 45-60 minutes. In addition, aspects of reintegration into non-cancer-specific PA were explored.Results: Over 5 years, 32 patients and 14 healthy siblings/friends between 3 and 18 years of age were included. Most patients joined the program for 6-18 months with an average attendance rate of the exercise sessions of 60.28 ± 12.62%. Main reasons for non-attendance of single exercise sessions were medical issues and holidays. No severe adverse events occurred. At program completion, most patients participated in physical education at school/kindergarten and engaged in leisure-time PA.Discussion: While key aspects for the establishment of sustainable exercise opportunities are highlighted, reintegration into non-cancer-specific PA must be improved and home-based alternatives could be a beneficial complement to the program.

AB - Problem: Due to physical performance limitations and inactiv-ity after pediatric oncological treatment there is a strong need for childhood cancer-specific exercise opportunities. However, only few sustainable programs have been described in the liter-ature. This article aims to provide an example of implementing an exercise opportunity in pediatric oncology.Methods: Five-year data (May 2012 to May 2017) have been analyzed on adverse events, attendance rates and barriers to attendance of a group-based exercise program designed for childhood cancer patients after inpatient medical treatment. The exercise sessions included endurance, strength, coordination exercises, as well as relaxation and cooperative games and were offered once a week for 45-60 minutes. In addition, aspects of reintegration into non-cancer-specific PA were explored.Results: Over 5 years, 32 patients and 14 healthy siblings/friends between 3 and 18 years of age were included. Most patients joined the program for 6-18 months with an average attendance rate of the exercise sessions of 60.28 ± 12.62%. Main reasons for non-attendance of single exercise sessions were medical issues and holidays. No severe adverse events occurred. At program completion, most patients participated in physical education at school/kindergarten and engaged in leisure-time PA.Discussion: While key aspects for the establishment of sustainable exercise opportunities are highlighted, reintegration into non-cancer-specific PA must be improved and home-based alternatives could be a beneficial complement to the program.

KW - Kinder

KW - Krebs

KW - Onkologie

KW - Sport

KW - Bewegung

KW - Childhood

KW - Children

KW - Cancer

KW - Sports

KW - Physical Performance

UR - https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/15e558ac-3c0d-32b1-af24-2f12d7647dc5/

U2 - 10.5960/dzsm.2021.477

DO - 10.5960/dzsm.2021.477

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 72

SP - 223

EP - 228

JO - Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin

JF - Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin

SN - 0344-5925

IS - 5

ER -