Active video games to promote physical activity in children with cancer: a randomized clinical trial with follow-up.
BACKGROUND
Low levels of physical activity, musculoskeletal morbidity and weight gain are commonly reported problems in children with cancer. Intensive medical treatment and a decline in physical activity may also result in reduced motor performance. Therefore, simple and inexpensive ways to promote physical activity and exercise are becoming an increasingly important part of children's cancer treatment.


METHODS
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of active video games in promotion of physical activity in children with cancer. The research is conducted as a parallel randomized clinical trial with follow-up. Patients between 3 and 16 years old, diagnosed with cancer and treated with vincristine in two specialized medical centers are asked to participate. Based on statistical estimates, the target enrollment is 40 patients. The intervention includes playing elective active video games and, in addition, education and consultations for the family. The control group will receive a general recommendation for physical activity for 30 minutes per day. The main outcomes are the amount of physical activity and sedentary behavior. Other outcomes include motor performance, fatigue and metabolic risk factors. The outcomes are examined with questionnaires, diaries, physical examinations and blood tests at baseline and at 2, 6, 12 and 30 months after the baseline. Additionally, the children's perceptions of the most enjoyable activation methods are explored through an interview at 2 months.


CONCLUSIONS
This trial will help to answer the question of whether playing active video games is beneficial for children with cancer. It will also provide further reasoning for physical activity promotion and training of motor skills during treatment.


BACKGROUND
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01748058 (October 15, 2012).
Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 1, FI-20014 Turku, Finland. anloka@utu.fi.
Lotta
L
Kauhanen
Liisa
L
Järvelä
Päivi M
PM
Lähteenmäki
Mikko
M
Arola
Olli J
OJ
Heinonen
Anna
A
Axelin
Johan
J
Lilius
Tero
T
Vahlberg
Sanna
S
Salanterä
D000293:Adolescent; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015444:Exercise; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012107:Research Design; D018910:Video Games; D014750:Vincristine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D014750:Vincristine