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Physical activity programs for children diagnosed with cancer: an international environmental scan

Supportive Care in Cancer volume 27, pages 1153–1162 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Physical activity programs for children diagnosed with cancer may enhance health and quality of life. However, it is unknown where and in what capacity such programs are being offered internationally.

Purpose

To identify physical activity programs for children diagnosed with cancer and summarize program characteristics.

Methods

Five data sources were searched to identify physical activity programs offered to children diagnosed with cancer. Following confirmation of eligibility, correspondents were sent a series of open-ended questions via email. Data were extracted from responses and summarized descriptively and narratively.

Results

Of the 140 unique correspondents contacted, 46 programs, in 10 countries, met eligibility criteria. Responses to open-ended follow-up questions were obtained from 36 programs and were subsequently included in the content analysis. Internationally, the majority of programs are being offered to children in Europe, with mixed cancer types, at different stages of the cancer trajectory. There is relatively equal distribution with regard to the setting in which programs are offered (i.e., community, hospital, combination). All correspondents reported that their program is professionally supervised, and most require that children obtain medical clearance prior to participating. There is considerable variability in terms of other key program (e.g., funding) and physical activity characteristics (e.g., frequency).

Conclusions

Findings from this environmental scan highlight where and in what capacity physical activity programs are being offered, providing guidance for those seeking to develop/implement physical activity programs themselves. Moreover, results highlight the current state of practice, underscoring the necessity of international networks, multi-site collaborations, and public relations to ensure all children diagnosed with cancer have access to physical activity programs.

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Notes

  1. The list of 13 relevant systematic reviews is available upon request from the corresponding author.

  2. One program that reported being translated from a research project did not have an associated publication.

  3. The program is open to children diagnosed with cancer, but has not yet had any participate.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Jena Shank (MSc student) for assisting with Google searches and reviewing reference lists of relevant systematic reviews, Karine Fournier (expert librarian) for her guidance and assistance developing the search strategy, and correspondents who responded to requests for information and clarification.

Funding

This manuscript was prepared while the first author was supported by a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    Amanda Wurz

  2. Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany

    Julia Daeggelmann

  3. Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    Natalia Albinati, Liam Kronlund & S. Nicole Culos-Reed

  4. Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    Carolina Chamorro-Viña

  5. Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    S. Nicole Culos-Reed

  6. Alberta Health Services, Cancer Care, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Department of Psychosocial Resources, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    S. Nicole Culos-Reed

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  1. Amanda Wurz
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Correspondence to S. Nicole Culos-Reed.

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Wurz, A., Daeggelmann, J., Albinati, N. et al. Physical activity programs for children diagnosed with cancer: an international environmental scan. Support Care Cancer 27, 1153–1162 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-04669-5

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Keywords

  • Exercise
  • Pediatric
  • Community programs
  • Oncology
  • Knowledge translation