Potential benefits of physical activity for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common form of paediatric leukaemia. The survival rate in children with ALL has improved significantly over the past several years, which makes quality of life an important focus for researchers. Some of the side effects of treatment (i.e. osteoporosis and obesity) are not realized until years after conclusion of therapy. Few studies have addressed the impact of physical activity (PA) on the side effects that occur during treatment of children with ALL. This paper discusses the increased risk for both osteoporosis and obesity due to treatment for ALL and suggests ways that PA may attenuate bone loss and risk of obesity by discussing what is known about effects of PA in healthy children and children with other chronic diseases. Recommendations will be made for PA interventions and future research in children with ALL.

Physical activity of pediatric patients with acute leukemia undergoing induction or consolidation chemotherapy

“…Activity patterns and percentage contributions of activity among leukemia patients (n = 38). which may alter the child's perception of their capability for physical activity, resulting in a fear of overexertion and low self-efficacy [7,30,31].…”

A cross-sectional survey of participation of asthmatic children in physical activity

“…[19,20] Physical activity is also important to children with asthma. In recent years, research has shown that taking part in sports can help reduce hospital admissions, reduce absenteeism …”

Suboptimal long-term physical performance in children and young adults after pediatric allo-SCT

“…Regarding healthy children and those with conventional therapy for ALL, an increasing amount of data have been published on the beneficial effects of physical activity on weight control, type II diabetes, blood pressure, osteoporosis, psychological well being and fatigue, with many of them being a special risk for transplanted children. 25 Adult long-term survivors of childhood ALL were more likely to be physically inactive than was the general population. 26 In our study, among the patients tested for 4 or more years after SCT, the sports club members had better results in all tests when compared with others.…”