Physical activity is essential for the health and well-being of children and adolescents. However, those living with cancer often experience reduced physical activity levels, which negatively impact their functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In Ecuador, data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (2021) reveal that 20% of children engage in less than one hour of physical activity per week, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. While previous studies demonstrate that supervised exercise programs can improve physical and psychosocial health outcomes in pediatric oncology patients, no evidence exists from Ecuador to assess the effects of such programs.
This study will examine the impact of a structured physical activity program on the HRQoLof pediatric cancer patients in Quito, Ecuador. Using a case-control design, 90 participants will be randomized into two groups: an intervention group receiving a 10-week, supervised physical activity program and a control group with no exercise intervention and the programmed usual care as follow up if needed by the social worker. HRQoL surveys using a standardized instrument will be administered to all participants (those in the intervention group and those in the control group) at weeks 1, 12, and 24 to assess changes over time.
This research will address a critical public health gap by exploring how physical activity can mitigate the adverse effects of cancer treatment, improve physical and emotional health, and enhance the HRQoL in pediatric oncology patients. Findings will contribute valuable insights for integrating physical activity into pediatric oncology care in low- and middle-income countries.
1. Age range: Participants must be between 8 and 18 years old at the start of the study.
Patients are either currently undergoing active treatment for pediatric malignancies, or
Patients are in the post-treatment phase after a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
The volunteer or a family member that lives with the possible participant has a cellphone so the survey can be administered and answered.
1. The presence of a malignant solid tumor which has not yet been surgically addressed.
Parallel
Physical activity
Other interventionThe intervention group will participate in a 10-week structured physical activity program consisting of 120 minutes of supervised exercise per week, led by a team of physiotherapists and physical activity professionals. Meanwhile, the control group will not participate in any organized physical activity program but will continue with their usual activities.
Health related quality of life
To evaluate HRQoL, the study will use the PedsQL, specifically the PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module, a validated instrument for pediatric cancer patients aged 2 to 18 years. This module comprises 20 questions addressing physical, emotional, and social functioning, as well as cancer treatment-related symptoms. Participants will self-report their responses using a four-point Likert scale, with options ranging from "never" (0) to "almost always" (4). For example: "In the past month, how often have you felt tired?"; "In the past month, how often have you experienced pain or discomfort?".
Physical activity
Physical activity and sedentary habits will be determined using the Activity Profile - Spain - Version for Latin America. (YAP-SL), a self-report tool consisting of 15 items, will be used to gather data on physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors for a 7-day recall period
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Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cáncer
Lead sponsor
Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cáncer del Ecuador
Sponsor institution
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