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BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2021

01-12-2021 | Brain Tumor | Study protocol

Physical ACTivity in Survivorship (PACTS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating a goal-directed therapeutic exercise program in pediatric posterior fossa brain tumor survivors

Authors: Brooke E. Kohler, Emmah Baque, Carolina X. Sandler, Denise S. K. Brookes, Caroline O. Terranova, Matthew Rixon, Tim Hassall, Stewart G. Trost

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Posterior fossa brain tumors (PFBT) are the most common solid tumor in children. Recent increases in survival rates are encouraging; however, survivors may experience a plethora of disease- and treatment-related complications that can persist into adulthood. Therapeutic exercise interventions have been shown to improve quality of survivorship in other pediatric cancer diagnoses. There is also evidence that goal-directed interventions are effective at improving motor activities, function, and self-care in children with complex health conditions. Yet, there is currently no evidence on the efficacy of goal-directed therapeutic exercise in pediatric PFBT survivors. The Physical ACTivity in Survivorship (PACTS) study aims to investigate the effects of a novel goal-directed therapeutic exercise program on cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity-related goal attainment in pediatric survivors of PFBT.

Method

PFBT survivors, aged five to 17 years, who underwent surgery at least 12 months earlier and completed radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy at least 6 months prior will be recruited from the Queensland Children’s Hospital (Brisbane, Australia) (target n = 48). Following baseline assessment, participants are randomized into either the intervention or usual care group. The intervention group will receive weekly individualized, goal-directed exercise therapy delivered face-to-face for 12 weeks, along with an accompanying home-based program (three sessions per week). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 6- and 12-months post-intervention. The primary outcomes are cardiorespiratory fitness (Peak VO2) and physical activity-related goal attainment. Secondary outcomes are cardiorespiratory endurance, high-level mobility skills, functional muscle strength, habitual physical activity, gait, balance, quality of life, fatigue, participation, perceived movement skill competence and parameters of body composition.

Discussion

PACTS is the first study to investigate the efficacy of goal-directed therapeutic exercise in children with PFBT and provide evidence needed to inform clinical practice recommendations for managing quality of survivorship in PFBT survivors.

Trial registration

Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Physical ACTivity in Survivorship (PACTS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating a goal-directed therapeutic exercise program in pediatric posterior fossa brain tumor survivors
Authors
Brooke E. Kohler
Emmah Baque
Carolina X. Sandler
Denise S. K. Brookes
Caroline O. Terranova
Matthew Rixon
Tim Hassall
Stewart G. Trost
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Brain Tumor
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02566-7

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