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The effect of individualized exercise interventions during treatment in pediatric patients with a malignant bone tumor

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Abstract

Background

While research on exercise interventions during anticancer treatment is well-established in adults, only very few studies exist in children. However, pediatric patients experience great limitations to being physically active, and appropriate interventions are desired.

Procedure

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of individualized exercise interventions during inpatient stays on pediatric patients with a malignant bone tumor. The parameter of interest was physical activity (PA). Patients’ PA during home stays was assessed 6 weeks as well as 3, 6, 12, and 18 months post-surgery. Patients were distinguished into an intervention group and a control group. All patients received endoprosthetic replacement of the affected bone in the same institution.

Results

A constant increase in all PA parameters was observed during follow-up. Exercise interventions were possible and appeared worthwhile. The intervention group showed better PA results at all measurements; however, no significant differences between groups were found. Furthermore, differences decreased especially after the cessation of the intervention. General problems in reaching appropriate power and compliance were observed.

Conclusions

Individualized exercise interventions in pediatric bone tumor patients are possible and appear to be beneficial. Such interventions should be implemented in adjuvant care; however, future research is needed to understand more about the effects of different interventions.

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Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported by the Else-Kröner-Fresenius Stiftung (P46/05//A68/04//FO).

Conflict of interest

The authors state that they have no conflict of interest. Furthermore, the authors have full control of all primary data and agree to allow the journal to review their data if requested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Experimental Musculoskeletal Medicine (IEMM) Motion Analysis Lab, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Corinna C. Winter, Carsten Müller & Dieter Rosenbaum

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Jendrik Hardes & Georg Gosheger

  3. Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Joachim Boos

  4. Institut für Experimentelle Muskuloskelettale Medizin, Funktionsbereich Bewegungsanalytik, Domagkstr.3, 48149, Münster, Germany

    Corinna C. Winter

Authors
  1. Corinna C. Winter
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  2. Carsten Müller
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  3. Jendrik Hardes
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  4. Georg Gosheger
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  5. Joachim Boos
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  6. Dieter Rosenbaum
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Corinna C. Winter.

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Winter, C.C., Müller, C., Hardes, J. et al. The effect of individualized exercise interventions during treatment in pediatric patients with a malignant bone tumor. Support Care Cancer 21, 1629–1636 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1707-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1707-1

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