Feasibility and initial effectiveness of home exercise during maintenance therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at increased risk of obesity and deconditioning from cancer therapy. This pilot study assessed feasibility/initial efficacy of an exercise intervention for patients with ALL undergoing maintenance therapy.

Methods

Participants were aged 5 to 10 years, receiving maintenance therapy, in first remission. A 6-month home-based intervention, with written and video instruction, was supervised with weekly calls from an exercise coach. Pre- and poststudy testing addressed strength, flexibility, fitness, and motor function.

Results

Seventeen patients enrolled (participation 63%). Twelve (71%) finished the intervention, completing 81.7 ± 7.2% of prescribed sessions. Improvements of 5% or more occurred in 67% for knee a

SUBMITTER: Esbenshade AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4211618 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Fall

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature