Development of an Evidence-Based Exercise Program for Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility and Pilot Study

Abstract

This study aimed to develop an exercise program for childhood cancer survivors and examine its feasibility and effects on improvements in physical fitness, muscle strength, and body composition. A tailored exercise program for childhood cancer survivors was developed through 8 systematic procedures, including a review of literature, physical activity survey, qualitative study, the first expert panel discussion, drafting an evidence-based exercise program, secondary expert panel discussion, revising the exercise program, and conducting feasibility and pilot study. For the feasibility and pilot study, 10 childhood cancer survivors (mean age 16.30 ± 1.77 years) participated, divided into either an exercise or a control group. Participants in the exercise group participated in the exercise program for 6 weeks. Based on preliminary studies, the exercise programs consisted of home-based and supervised exercise programs, including resistance and sports, conducted for 6 weeks. The body composition was measured, and a 6-minute walk test, grip strength, vertical jump, sit-up, push-up, chair stand test, and sit and reach test was conducted. After completing the exercise program, muscular endurance (sit-up test, p-value = 0.039) and lower body strength (chair stand test, p-value = 0.010) were significantly increased in the exercise group compared to the control group. Fat mass significantly decreased in the exercise group compared to the control group (p-value = 0.010). In conclusion, the exercise program developed in this study demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness in reducing body fat mass and improving muscular endurance and lower body strength in childhood cancer survivors.