Evaluating Feasibility of an Exercise Intervention Including Physical Assessment During the First 6 Months of Cancer Treatment in Children and Adolescents in a Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: The aim was to assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled exercise intervention, including physical assessments, in children and adolescents during the first 6 months of cancer treatment.

Materials and methods: A sample of children and adolescents (n = 84, 6‒17.9 years) from an ongoing trial (INTERACT: NCT04706676) was randomly assigned to an integrative neuromuscular training (INT) intervention or active control intervention during treatment. The following inter-related feasibility domains were assessed: availability, acceptance, and attrition. Further, we assessed adherence to INT and physical assessments. Adverse events related to exercise and physical assessments were also reported.

Results: We found feasible rates within the availability and attrition domains. While the INT group demonstrated feasible group-level adherence rates, individual adherence to prescribed intervention demands was suboptimal. Physical assessments after 6 months of cancer treatment showed feasible rates.

Conclusion: This study offers insights into the feasibility of an early-initiated INT intervention designed for children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment. To ensure an optimal frequency of exercise in future studies, a flexible approach to hospital-based INT and a structured strategy for home-based exercise should be considered. Future trials should prioritize outcomes to minimize the length and timing of assessment.