Implementation of structured physical activity in the pediatric stem cell transplantation

Klin Padiatr. 2011 May;223(3):147-51. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1271782. Epub 2011 Apr 1.

Abstract

The peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) represents a specific, but stressful therapy for hemato-oncological diseases. While for adults, data suggest positive eff ects for a supportive sport therapy, this question is not evaluated sufficiently for children. The objective of this study was to examine the integration of sports activity into pediatric PBSCT and to indicate attainable results. This 2-step case-control-study included 23 children and adolescents from the PBSCT: During the isolation phase 13 patients trained 3 times per week on a cycle ergometer and passed a course with different sports equipment. Apart from recording physiologic adaptations, quality of live was inquired in a pre-post design using questionnaires. Guided interviews according to necessity and requirements for sports activity at the PBSCT unit completed the evaluation and were used for the intervention as well as for the control group (n = 10) without sports therapy. On the ergometer, patients trained average 25 min with 0.6 watt / kg. In the majority, a loss of muscular power could be avoided. Quality of life and fatigue symptoms improved by trend. Interview analysis showed general acceptance of physical activity during PBSCT. After initial skepticism due to the additional burden, our implementation study showed the feasibility of supportive sports therapy in PBSCT. Quality and flexibility of the equipment should be higher than normal and different physical and psychological conditions of the patients should be anticipated and integrated into the training program.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Exercise Test
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Hand Strength
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Leukemia / psychology
  • Leukemia / rehabilitation*
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Muscle Strength
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Neoplasms / rehabilitation*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Patient Isolation
  • Physical Endurance
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Resistance Training
  • Sports* / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires