Physical capacity in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Peter Schmidt-Andersen, Anna Stage, Anna Pouplier, Louise H Bastholm, Klaus G Müller, Anders Larsen, Kirsten K Ness, Hanne B Larsen, Jan Christensen, Martin K Fridh*

*Corresponding author for this work
3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review the body of evidence on cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and physical performance in children with newly diagnosed cancer, five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Web of Science) were searched on December 19, 2022.

METHODS: Thirteen studies, embodying 594 participants within 1 month of cancer diagnosis and 3674 healthy controls were included. Eighteen different outcomes on cardiorespiratory fitness (n = 2), muscle strength (n = 5), physical performance (n = 10), and adverse events (n = 1) were analyzed.

RESULTS: Fifteen out of 17 outcomes on physical capacity showed severe impairments compared with healthy controls. Where possible, random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the results. No adverse events were reported related to testing.

CONCLUSION: Children with cancer have impaired cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and physical performance within the first month after diagnosis. However, the evidence is based on a small number of studies with large clinical heterogeneity, limiting the certainty of evidence.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere30746
JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer
Volume71
Issue number1
ISSN1545-5009
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Cardiorespiratory Fitness
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Muscle Strength/physiology
  • Neoplasms
  • Physical Fitness

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