Abstract
Background Exercise interventions in pediatric oncology include primarily
traditional types of physical activity (PA) such as endurance and strength
training, while there is a growing interest in recreational types of PA for
pediatric cancer survivors, as well. One of these motivating and fun activities
is indoor wall climbing. Therefore, this exploratory study aims to evaluate the
feasibility and beneficial effects of a 10-week indoor wall climbing
intervention in pediatric oncology.
Patients Thirteen childhood cancer survivors aged 6–21 years were
included after cessation of their inpatient medical treatment of whom eleven
completed the study.
Methods Study participants completed measurements of physical functioning
at baseline (t0) and post-intervention (t1), as well as a questionnaire on
program satisfaction at t1.
Results Survivors participated in 57.43±31.77% of the
climbing sessions and no adverse events occurred. Most study participants
evaluated the climbing experience to be fun and motivational. One child stated
that the climbing intervention was too exhausting/overstraining.
Significant positive effects were found in terms of ankle DF-ROM and ankle DF
strength.
Discussion Indoor wall climbing seems feasible with childhood cancer
survivors and suggests beneficial potentials on physical functioning. However,
some preconditions (i. e. close supervision; slow increase of intensity;
sufficient breaks) must be ensured.
Conclusion Indoor wall climbing could be a motivational adjunct to
traditional types of exercise in pediatric oncology.
Sleep disordered breathing risk in childhood cancer survivors: An exploratory study