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Published in: Child's Nervous System 3/2021

01-03-2021 | Hydrocephalus | Original Article

Return to play after brain tumor surgery in children

Authors: Agnieszka Stanuszek, Olga Milczarek, Mateusz Rubinkiewicz, Justyna Rymarowicz, Stanisław Kwiatkowski

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 3/2021

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Abstract

Purpose

Children with a history of brain tumors do not appear to be at a significantly higher risk of sports-related injuries. Nevertheless, according to the systematic review and survey conducted by Perreault et al., 75% of healthcare professionals restrict their patients’ participation in physical activities after brain tumor surgery. The aim of our study was to verify whether children after brain tumor surgery return to physical education (PE) classes. It was also an attempt to explore factors limiting return to physical activity.

Methods

Patients after brain tumor surgery, ≤ 18 years old on admission with ≥ 1 year follow-up were included in the analysis. Data concerning the disease were collected and summarized in search of factors limiting return to physical activity. Meticulous information about return to sports and physical education at school was gathered during follow-up visits.

Results

71.43% of patients returned to school sports activities. Children who did not return to PE had markedly higher neoplasm WHO grade. Significant differences were also found between the groups in terms of hydrocephalus occurrence and need for additional oncological treatment. In univariate analysis, we identified neoplasm WHO grade, tumor location, presence of neurological deficit after the procedure, additional oncological treatment, and occurrence of hydrocephalus needing shunting as the risk factors for not returning to school physical education.

Conclusions

The majority of pediatric brain tumor survivors return safely to physical education. Higher neoplasm WHO grade, presence of neurological deficit after the procedure, additional oncological treatment, and occurrence of hydrocephalus are risk factors for not returning to physical education.
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Metadata
Title
Return to play after brain tumor surgery in children
Authors
Agnieszka Stanuszek
Olga Milczarek
Mateusz Rubinkiewicz
Justyna Rymarowicz
Stanisław Kwiatkowski
Publication date
01-03-2021
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Child's Nervous System / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-020-04903-0

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