The Brainfit study: efficacy of cognitive training and exergaming in pediatric cancer survivors – a randomized controlled trial
Valentin Benzing,
Noëmi Eggenberger,
Janine Spitzhüttl,
Valerie Siegwart,
Manuela Pastore-Wapp,
Claus Kiefer,
Nedelina Slavova,
Michael Grotzer,
Theda Heinks,
Mirko Schmidt,
Achim Conzelmann,
Maja Steinlin,
Regula Everts,
Kurt Leibundgut
Affiliations
Valentin Benzing
Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern
Noëmi Eggenberger
Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern
Janine Spitzhüttl
Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern
Valerie Siegwart
Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern
Manuela Pastore-Wapp
Division of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern
Claus Kiefer
Division of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern
Nedelina Slavova
Division of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern
Michael Grotzer
Division of Pediatric Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich
Theda Heinks
Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern
Mirko Schmidt
Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern
Achim Conzelmann
Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern
Maja Steinlin
Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern
Regula Everts
Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern
Kurt Leibundgut
Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern
Abstract Background Cancer survival comes at a price: pediatric cancer survivors bear a high risk for a wide range of cognitive difficulties. Therefore, interventions targeting these difficulties are required. The aim of the present clinical trial is to extend empirical evidence about efficacy of cognitive and physical training in pediatric cancer survivors. It is hypothesized that early cognitive and physical interventions affect the remediation of pediatric cancer survivors in terms of improved executive functions (primary outcome). Additional positive effects of cognitive and physical intervention to other areas such as memory and attention are expected (secondary outcome). Changes in cognitive performance are expected to be associated with structural and functional changes in the brain. Methods Overall, 150 pediatric cancer survivors and 50 matched controls will be included in this trial. The cancer survivors will be randomly assigned to either a computerized cognitive training, a physical training (exergaming) or a waiting control group. They will be assessed with neuropsychological tests, tests of sport motor performance and physical fitness before and after 8 weeks of training and again at a 3-months follow-up. Moreover, neuroimaging will be performed at each of the three time points to investigate the training impact on brain structure and function. Discussion With increasing cancer survival rates, evidence-based interventions are of particular importance. New insights into training-related plasticity in the developing brain will further help to develop tailored rehabilitation programs for pediatric cancer survivors. Trial registration KEK BE 196/15; KEK ZH 2015–0397; ICTRP NCT02749877 ; date of registration: 30.11.2016; date of first participant enrolment: .18.01.2017.
