Physical Activity as a Treatment for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review
Mareike Kuehn,
Lena Wypyrsczyk,
Sandra Stoessel,
Marie A. Neu,
Lisa Ploch,
Elias Dreismickenbecker,
Perikles Simon,
Joerg Faber
Affiliations
Mareike Kuehn
Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg—University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
Lena Wypyrsczyk
Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg—University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
Sandra Stoessel
Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg—University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
Marie A. Neu
Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg—University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
Lisa Ploch
Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg—University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
Elias Dreismickenbecker
Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg—University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
Perikles Simon
Institute of Sport Science, Department Sport Medicine, Rehabilitation and Disease Prevention, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
Joerg Faber
Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg—University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common and distressing symptoms in paediatric oncology. Based on previous studies, physical activity interventions are considered to be effective in reducing CRF in adult cancer patients. Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to investigate whether physical activity interventions can reduce CRF in paediatric patients undergoing cancer treatment. Methodology: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Sport-Discus in October 2021 to identify intervention studies examining the effects of physical activity on CRF in cancer patients ≤ 21 years of age. Their methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool. Results: A total of 20 studies (seven randomized-controlled, six quasi-experimental and seven single-arm intervention trials) were included in the review. Nine studies reported significant positive effects of physical activity interventions on CRF in group comparison or within groups. Eleven trials reported no significant changes in CRF. Conclusion: Physical activity as a therapeutic intervention in paediatric oncology may have the potential to reduce CRF in childhood cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment. Further high-quality studies with large samples are needed to verify these results and to assess the interdependence of dose and response of physical activity interventions.
