Factors Affecting Physical Activity in Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Published in: Eur J Pediatr. 2024 Apr 26.
DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05584-6
Abstract
Pediatric cancer survivors (PCS) with overweight and obesity are at risk for secondary chronic diseases. Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA) after treatment, PCS have low PA levels. This highlights the need for lifestyle interventions targeting PA.
Methods
- A secondary analysis of preliminary baseline data from the NOURISH-T + trial was conducted.
- Correlations between PCS MVPA and various factors were assessed.
- A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of PCS MVPA.
Results
The study included 73 PCS-caregiver dyads. Significant correlations were found between PCS MVPA, time since treatment, PCS weight change since COVID, caregiver sedentary behavior, and MVPA. Household income, radiation treatment, and caregiver MVPA were significant predictors of PCS MVPA.
Conclusions
Demographics, cancer treatment type, and caregiver role modeling are important factors to consider when developing future lifestyle interventions for PCS.
Key Finding: Parents/caregivers’ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is the strongest predictor of their children’s (pediatric cancer survivors’) physical activity.
PMID: 38668797 | DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05584-6
Author: Nashira I Brown
