General support of physical exercise programs in pediatric oncology but differences in perception by childhood cancer care professionals at European and North-African/Arab centers

Purpose

To explore the perception of physical exercise programs for pediatric oncology patients among childhood cancer care professionals. We also aimed at comparing such perceptions between cultures. Healthcare professionals’ endorsement may be essential for initiating and promoting such programs.

Methods

An anonymous survey was designed and administered voluntarily to childhood cancer care professionals (including pediatric oncologists, nurses, and physiotherapists) in European, North-African and Arab pediatric oncology centers.

Results

Five-hundred-and twenty-eight professionals from 14 sites answered the survey. Most respondents considered physical exercise programs as a suitable therapeutic approach for pediatric cancer patients with a potential positive contribution to survival (81%), wellbeing (82%), quality of life (80%), and self-esteem (75%). 91% of respondents would also support the future introduction of physical exercise programs into standard pediatric oncological care. There was a comparatively higher appreciation of physical exercise programs among European centers compared to North-African / Arab centers.

Conclusion

We registered a broad acceptance of physical exercise programs among all European and North-African / Arab childhood cancer care professionals. The positive perception was independent of any pre-existing experience with such programs and seems therefore representative. This finding may encourage the further promotion of physical exercise programs in pediatric oncology.