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Effects of cognitive-motor intervention for pediatric posterior fossa tumor survivors: results of a pilot study

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Abstract

The purpose of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and effects of cognitive-motor intervention on the cognitive and motor abilities of pediatric survivors of posterior fossa tumors. The study involved patients aged 7 to 18 years with cognitive deficits who had completed primary treatment for posterior fossa tumors. 25 participants (Mage=11.3 ± 2.93, 64% male; 17 medulloblastoma, 1 ependymoma, 1 desmoplastic medulloblastoma, 6 piloid astrocytoma; 22 in remission (Mmonths =45), 3 in stabilization (Mmonths=49)) were recruited from the Research Institute for Brain Development and Peak Performance. The intervention consisted of two phases with a 3-month break for home training, and a total duration of 6 months. Each phase lasted 7 weeks and included two assessment procedures (pre- and post-intervention) and 10 training sessions over a period of 5 weeks (two 3-hour sessions per week). At baseline and pre- and post-intervention, all participants underwent a battery of cognitive and motor tests. Each training session included gross motor training (GMT), graphomotor training (GT), and cognitive-motor training (CMT). Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test for repeated measures and post-hoc Durbin-Conover test. The results indicated significant improvements in visuospatial working memory, visual attention, eye-hand coordination, semantic verbal fluency, auditory-motor synchronization, reaction time, and a decrease in the rate of ataxia. These improvements remained stable even in the absence of direct intervention. The findings demonstrate positive effects and feasibility of the intervention and suggest the need for further research in this area including randomized controlled feasibility studies with a larger sample.

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The data associated with the paper are not publicly available but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge support and invaluable assistance from the Konstantin Khabenskiy’s Charity Fund.

Funding

This publication has been supported by Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia Scientific Projects Grant System, project No < 212202-2-000>.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cognitive Development and Neurorehabilitation Foundation (Foundation CRANE), Moscow, Russia

    Vladimir N. Kasatkin

  2. Research Institute for Brain Development and Peak Performance, RUDN University, Moscow, Russia

    Elizaveta N. Romanova, Elena V. Glebova, Alena A. Deviaterikova, Vera V. Tolchennikova, Anastasia A. Sharapkova, Piruza A. Manukyan, Nadezhda M. Karpova & Roza A. Sarkisyan

  3. Department of English Linguistics, Philological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

    Anastasia A. Sharapkova

  4. Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia

    Alexander F. Karelin

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  1. Vladimir N. Kasatkin
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. V.K. developed the concept of the training, which formed the basis of the study, provided critical review of the content and approved the manuscript for publication; E.R. conducted a comprehensive review of publications on the topic of the article, analyzed and interpreted the data, performed statistical data analysis, and drafted the text of the manuscript; E.G. developed the study design, selected and screened patients, trained study participants; V.T. made significant contributions to the development of the training program, screening of patients, and training; A.D was responsible for the acquisition and interpretation of data and provided scientific editing of the manuscript text; A.S. made substantial contribution to the design of the manuscript, text writing and proofreading, ensuring that the research was presented in a clear and concise manner; P.M. made contributions to the development of the study design, and was responsible for data analysis and interpretation; N.K. examined patients, collected data and provided training; R.S. contributed significantly to data collection and patient training; A.K. revised the manuscript critically and approved the manuscript for publication. All authors participated in the preparation of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Elizaveta N. Romanova.

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Kasatkin, V.N., Romanova, E.N., Glebova, E.V. et al. Effects of cognitive-motor intervention for pediatric posterior fossa tumor survivors: results of a pilot study. J Neurooncol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-024-04636-z

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