A goal-directed therapeutic exercise program in paediatric posterior fossa brain tumour survivors: a case study from the Physical ACTivity in Survivorship (PACTS) randomised controlled trial
Author(s)
Kohler, Brooke
Baque, Emmah
Sandler, Carolina
Brookes, Denise
Terranova, Caroline
Rixon, Matthew
Hassall, Timothy
Trost, Stewart
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2021
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Aims: Survivors of posterior fossa brain tumours (PFBT) experience a plethora of disease- and treatment-related complications that can persist into adulthood. Therapeutic exercise interventions have been shown to improve quality of survivorship in other paediatric cancer diagnoses. There is also evidence that goal-directed interventions are effective at improving motor activities, function, and self-care in children with other complex health conditions. There is currently no evidence on the efficacy of goal-directed therapeutic exercise in paediatric PFBT survivors. The Physical ACTivity in Survivorship (PACTS) study aims ...
View more >Aims: Survivors of posterior fossa brain tumours (PFBT) experience a plethora of disease- and treatment-related complications that can persist into adulthood. Therapeutic exercise interventions have been shown to improve quality of survivorship in other paediatric cancer diagnoses. There is also evidence that goal-directed interventions are effective at improving motor activities, function, and self-care in children with other complex health conditions. There is currently no evidence on the efficacy of goal-directed therapeutic exercise in paediatric PFBT survivors. The Physical ACTivity in Survivorship (PACTS) study aims to investigate the effects of a novel, goal-directed therapeutic exercise program on cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity-related goal attainment in PFBT. Method: PFBT survivors, aged 5-17 years, who underwent surgery at least 12 months earlier and completed radiation and/or chemotherapy at least six months prior, are being recruited. Participants are randomised into the exercise or usual care group. The exercise group receives weekly individualised, goal-directed exercise therapy delivered face-to-face for 12 weeks, alongside a home-based program (3 sessions/week). Outcomes are assessed at pre-, post-, 6- and 12-months post-intervention. Primary outcomes are cardiorespiratory fitness (Peak VO2) and physical activity-related goal attainment (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure). Secondary outcomes include cardiorespiratory endurance, high-level mobility skills, functional strength, habitual physical activity, gait, balance, quality of life, fatigue, participation, perceived motor competence and body composition. Results: Thirteen participants have been recruited (target n = 48). This case study demonstrates the application of a goal-directed exercise intervention for an 11-year-old medulloblastoma survivor who experiences ongoing motor and cognitive impairments. Self-selected participant goals included swimming, tennis, and bike riding activities. The exercise program was individualised according to the participant's goals, functional capacity, and presence of side-effects. Discussion: PACTS is the first study to investigate the efficacy of goal-directed therapeutic exercise in children with PFBT and provide evidence needed to inform clinical practice for PFBT survivors.
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View more >Aims: Survivors of posterior fossa brain tumours (PFBT) experience a plethora of disease- and treatment-related complications that can persist into adulthood. Therapeutic exercise interventions have been shown to improve quality of survivorship in other paediatric cancer diagnoses. There is also evidence that goal-directed interventions are effective at improving motor activities, function, and self-care in children with other complex health conditions. There is currently no evidence on the efficacy of goal-directed therapeutic exercise in paediatric PFBT survivors. The Physical ACTivity in Survivorship (PACTS) study aims to investigate the effects of a novel, goal-directed therapeutic exercise program on cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity-related goal attainment in PFBT. Method: PFBT survivors, aged 5-17 years, who underwent surgery at least 12 months earlier and completed radiation and/or chemotherapy at least six months prior, are being recruited. Participants are randomised into the exercise or usual care group. The exercise group receives weekly individualised, goal-directed exercise therapy delivered face-to-face for 12 weeks, alongside a home-based program (3 sessions/week). Outcomes are assessed at pre-, post-, 6- and 12-months post-intervention. Primary outcomes are cardiorespiratory fitness (Peak VO2) and physical activity-related goal attainment (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure). Secondary outcomes include cardiorespiratory endurance, high-level mobility skills, functional strength, habitual physical activity, gait, balance, quality of life, fatigue, participation, perceived motor competence and body composition. Results: Thirteen participants have been recruited (target n = 48). This case study demonstrates the application of a goal-directed exercise intervention for an 11-year-old medulloblastoma survivor who experiences ongoing motor and cognitive impairments. Self-selected participant goals included swimming, tennis, and bike riding activities. The exercise program was individualised according to the participant's goals, functional capacity, and presence of side-effects. Discussion: PACTS is the first study to investigate the efficacy of goal-directed therapeutic exercise in children with PFBT and provide evidence needed to inform clinical practice for PFBT survivors.
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Conference Title
Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology
Volume
17
Issue
S9
Publisher URI
Subject
Oncology and carcinogenesis
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Oncology