Impact of a Physical Activity Program on the Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Cancer Patients

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Pediatric Cancer; Cancer

• Registration Number: NCT06813950
• Lead Sponsor: Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cáncer

Brief Summary

Physical activity is essential for the health and well-being of children and adolescents. However, those living with cancer often experience reduced physical activity levels, which negatively impact their functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In Ecuador, data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (2021) reveal that 20% of children engage in less than one hour of physical activity per week, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. While previous studies demonstrate that supervised exercise programs can improve physical and psychosocial health outcomes in pediatric oncology patients, no evidence exists from Ecuador to assess the effects of such programs.

This study will examine the impact of a structured physical activity program on the HRQoLof pediatric cancer patients in Quito, Ecuador. Using a case-control design, 90 participants will be randomized into two groups: an intervention group receiving a 10-week, supervised physical activity program and a control group with no exercise intervention and the programmed usual care as follow up if needed by the social worker. HRQoL surveys using a standardized instrument will be administered to all participants (those in the intervention group and those in the control group) at weeks 1, 12, and 24 to assess changes over time.

This research will address a critical public health gap by exploring how physical activity can mitigate the adverse effects of cancer treatment, improve physical and emotional health, and enhance the HRQoL in pediatric oncology patients. Findings will contribute valuable insights for integrating physical activity into pediatric oncology care in low- and middle-income countries.

Detailed Description

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the impact of a structured exercise program on the HRQoL of pediatric cancer patients. A total of 90 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group.

The intervention group will participate in a 10-week structured physical activity program consisting of 120 minutes of supervised exercise per week, led by a team of physiotherapists and physical activity professionals. Meanwhile, the control group will not participate in any organized physical activity program but will continue with their usual activities.

Both groups will complete the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) surveys at baseline (week 1), midpoint (week 12), and endpoint (week 24). These surveys are designed to assess changes in participants' HRQoL over time, providing comparative insights between the two groups.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-02
• Study First Submitted: 2025-02-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-02-03
• Study First Posted: 2025-02-07
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-02-07
• Last Update Posted: 2025-02-11
• Study Start: 2025-02-20
• Primary Completion: 2025-11
• Study Completion: 2025-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 80

Inclusion Criteria

• 1. Age range: Participants must be between 8 and 18 years old at the start of the study.

  2. Residency: Patients residing within the city limits of Quito, Ecuador. 3. Treatment status:

  • Patients are being evaluated or treated at Hospitals SOLCA and Baca Ortiz.

  • Patients are either currently undergoing active treatment for pediatric malignancies, or
  • Patients are in the post-treatment phase after a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
  • The volunteer or a family member that lives with the possible participant has a cellphone so the survey can be administered and answered.

Exclusion Criteria

• 1. The presence of a malignant solid tumor which has not yet been surgically addressed.

  2. A psychiatric diagnosis of cognitive impairment. 3. A diagnosis of osteosarcoma. 4. A history of cardiac pathology. 5. The patient is in the pediatric inpatient ward or was one month prior to the enrollment phase.

  3. The patient is stationed at the pediatric intensive care unit. 7. The patient received high-dose chemotherapy with methotrexate greater than 1000 mg/m2/dose or cytarabine greater than 1 g/m2/dose in the last month.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Health related quality of life	oth groups will complete the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) surveys at baseline (week 1), midpoint (week 12), and endpoint (week 24). These surveys are designed to assess changes in participants' HRQoL over time, providing comparative insig	To evaluate HRQoL, the study will use the PedsQL, specifically the PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module, a validated instrument for pediatric cancer patients aged 2 to 18 years. This module comprises 20 questions addressing physical, emotional, and social functioning, as well as cancer treatment-related symptoms. Participants will self-report their responses using a four-point Likert scale, with options ranging from "never" (0) to "almost always" (4). For example: "In the past month, how often have you felt tired?"; "In the past month, how often have you experienced pain or discomfort?".

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Physical activity	surveys at baseline (week 1), midpoint (week 12), and endpoint (week 24).	Physical activity and sedentary habits will be determined using the Activity Profile - Spain - Version for Latin America. (YAP-SL), a self-report tool consisting of 15 items, will be used to gather data on physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors for a 7-day recall period

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

SociedadLuchaContraCáncer; 🇪🇨 Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador