Troels Thorsteinsson1, Kjeld Schmiegelow1,2,3, Lone Friis Thing4, Lars Bo Andersen5,6, Anne Sofie Helms1, Marianne Vie Ingersgaard1, Lea Hjortshøj Lindgren1, Hanne Baekgaard Larsen1. 1. Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. 2. Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. 3. Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Centre, New York University Langone Medical Centre, New York, New York. 4. Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark. 5. Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway. 6. Department of Teacher Education and Sport, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Haugesun, Norway.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Children with cancer experience reduced physical fitness and compromised social relationships during and following intensive treatment. This may negatively impact their quality of life. As part of the RESPECT study, we explored the motivations for participation in a physical activity programme during treatment. METHODS: Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven boys and six girls, diagnosed with paediatric cancer in 2013 and treated with chemotherapy (age 8-16 years; time from diagnosis to interview 6-16 months). Interviews were conducted in the children's homes. RESULTS: The qualitative analysis showed that children's motivations for engaging in the physical activity programme during intensive medical treatment were primarily influenced by (a) opportunity for physical activity with a classmate; (b) participation in group physical activity sessions; (c) support from significant others; and (d) improvement of physical well-being. Main barriers included (a) poor physical well-being; (b) compliance with medical procedures and being treated in protective isolation; and (c) limited physical activity facilities. CONCLUSION: Despite barriers, it is possible to motivate and engage children with cancer in physical activity during intensive treatment in a paediatric oncology ward. Physical exercise and activity should be recommended and promoted from diagnosis throughout the treatment period and should include psychosocial and professional support.
INTRODUCTION:Children with cancer experience reduced physical fitness and compromised social relationships during and following intensive treatment. This may negatively impact their quality of life. As part of the RESPECT study, we explored the motivations for participation in a physical activity programme during treatment. METHODS: Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven boys and six girls, diagnosed with paediatric cancer in 2013 and treated with chemotherapy (age 8-16 years; time from diagnosis to interview 6-16 months). Interviews were conducted in the children's homes. RESULTS: The qualitative analysis showed that children's motivations for engaging in the physical activity programme during intensive medical treatment were primarily influenced by (a) opportunity for physical activity with a classmate; (b) participation in group physical activity sessions; (c) support from significant others; and (d) improvement of physical well-being. Main barriers included (a) poor physical well-being; (b) compliance with medical procedures and being treated in protective isolation; and (c) limited physical activity facilities. CONCLUSION: Despite barriers, it is possible to motivate and engage children with cancer in physical activity during intensive treatment in a paediatric oncology ward. Physical exercise and activity should be recommended and promoted from diagnosis throughout the treatment period and should include psychosocial and professional support.
Authors: Anna Pouplier; Helle Winther; Jan Christensen; Peter Schmidt-Andersen; He Zhang; Thomas Leth Frandsen; Kjeld Schmiegelow; Martin Kaj Fridh; Hanne Bækgaard Larsen Journal: Front Pediatr Date: 2022-05-09 Impact factor: 3.569
Authors: Martin Kaj Fridh Nielsen; Jesper Frank Christensen; Thomas Leth Frandsen; Troels Thorsteinsson; Lars Bo Andersen; Karl Bang Christensen; Peder Skov Wehner; Henrik Hasle; Lis Ørgaard Adamsen; Kjeld Schmiegelow; Hanne Bækgaard Larsen Journal: BMC Med Date: 2020-07-06 Impact factor: 8.775
Authors: Peter Schmidt-Andersen; Martin Kaj Fridh; Klaus Gottlob Müller; Lisa Lyngsie Hjalgrim; Avery D Faigenbaum; Kjeld Schmiegelow; Henrik Hasle; Sine Lykkedegn; He Zhang; Jan Christensen; Hanne Bækgaard Larsen Journal: Front Pediatr Date: 2022-03-14 Impact factor: 3.418
Authors: Anna Pouplier; Hanne Baekgaard Larsen; Jan Christensen; Peter Schmidt-Andersen; Helle Winther; Martin Kaj Fridh Journal: Front Pediatr Date: 2022-09-27 Impact factor: 3.569
Authors: Maria Rothmund; Samantha Sodergren; Gudrun Rohde; Teresa de Rojas; Gloria Paratico; Giorgia Albini; Johanna Mur; Anne-Sophie Darlington; Alessandra Majorana; David Riedl Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2022-09-24 Impact factor: 3.440