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CancerNCT06813950

Impact of a Physical Activity Program on the Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Cancer Patients

A study testing Physical activity in people with Cancer and Pediatric Cancer, run by Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cáncer at 1 site in Ecuador.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Physical activity is essential for the health and well-being of children and adolescents. However, those living with cancer often experience reduced physical activity levels, which negatively impact their functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 8 to 18 years
Conditions the study is for
Cancer, Pediatric Cancer
What is being tested?
Physical activity
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
80 participants
Where
1 siteEcuador
Study dates
20 Feb 2025to Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 8 to 18 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult

Who may be able to join

  • 1. Age range: Participants must be between 8 and 18 years old at the start of the study.
  • 2. Residency: Patients residing within the city limits of Quito, Ecuador. 3. Treatment status:
  • Patients are being evaluated or treated at Hospitals SOLCA and Baca Ortiz.
  • Patients are either currently undergoing active treatment for pediatric malignancies, or
  • Patients are in the post-treatment phase after a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
  • The volunteer or a family member that lives with the possible participant has a cellphone so the survey can be administered and answered.

Who cannot join

  • 1. The presence of a malignant solid tumor which has not yet been surgically addressed.
  • 2. A psychiatric diagnosis of cognitive impairment. 3. A diagnosis of osteosarcoma. 4. A history of cardiac pathology. 5. The patient is in the pediatric inpatient ward or was one month prior to the enrollment phase.
  • 6. The patient is stationed at the pediatric intensive care unit. 7. The patient received high-dose chemotherapy with methotrexate greater than 1000 mg/m2/dose or cytarabine greater than 1 g/m2/dose in the last month.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Ecuador1 site
  • SociedadLuchaContraCáncer

    Quito, Pichincha, 170138

    Gustavo Galarraga, MPH, 096 333 3000, gustavo.galarraga@solcaquito.org.ec

    Yunqi Yu, MPH, yu.yunqi@solcaquito.org.ec

Other trials in Ecuador

About this study

Official title: IMPACT of a PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM on the HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY of LIFE in PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS

Physical activity is essential for the health and well-being of children and adolescents. However, those living with cancer often experience reduced physical activity levels, which negatively impact their functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In Ecuador, data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (2021) reveal that 20% of children engage in less than one hour of physical activity per week, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. While previous studies demonstrate that supervised exercise programs can improve physical and psychosocial health outcomes in pediatric oncology patients, no evidence exists from Ecuador to assess the effects of such programs.

This study will examine the impact of a structured physical activity program on the HRQoLof pediatric cancer patients in Quito, Ecuador. Using a case-control design, 90 participants will be randomized into two groups: an intervention group receiving a 10-week, supervised physical activity program and a control group with no exercise intervention and the programmed usual care as follow up if needed by the social worker. HRQoL surveys using a standardized instrument will be administered to all participants (those in the intervention group and those in the control group) at weeks 1, 12, and 24 to assess changes over time.

This research will address a critical public health gap by exploring how physical activity can mitigate the adverse effects of cancer treatment, improve physical and emotional health, and enhance the HRQoL in pediatric oncology patients. Findings will contribute valuable insights for integrating physical activity into pediatric oncology care in low- and middle-income countries.

Read the detailed description

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the impact of a structured exercise program on the HRQoL of pediatric cancer patients. A total of 90 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group.

The intervention group will participate in a 10-week structured physical activity program consisting of 120 minutes of supervised exercise per week, led by a team of physiotherapists and physical activity professionals. Meanwhile, the control group will not participate in any organized physical activity program but will continue with their usual activities.

Both groups will complete the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) surveys at baseline (week 1), midpoint (week 12), and endpoint (week 24). These surveys are designed to assess changes in participants' HRQoL over time, providing comparative insights between the two groups.

Being tested
Physical activity
Keywords
physical activity, Quality of life, physical activity programs, lifestyle
Medical subject headings
Neoplasms, Motor Activity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Physical activityOther

    The intervention group will participate in a 10-week structured physical activity program consisting of 120 minutes of supervised exercise per week, led by a team of physiotherapists and physical activity professionals. Meanwhile, the control group will not participate in any organized physical activity program but will continue with their usual activities.

Study groups in NCT06813950
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Physical activityOtherPerforms supervised physical activity
Receives: Other: Physical activity

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Health related quality of life

    To evaluate HRQoL, the study will use the PedsQL, specifically the PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module, a validated instrument for pediatric cancer patients aged 2 to 18 years. This module comprises 20 questions addressing physical, emotional, and social functioning, as well as cancer treatment-related symptoms. Participants will self-report their responses using a four-point Likert scale, with options ranging from "never" (0) to "almost always" (4). For example: "In the past month, how often have you felt tired?"; "In the past month, how often have you experienced pain or discomfort?".

    Measured: oth groups will complete the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) surveys at baseline (week 1), midpoint (week 12), and endpoint (week 24). These surveys are designed to assess changes in participants' HRQoL over time, providing comparative insig

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Physical activity

    Physical activity and sedentary habits will be determined using the Activity Profile - Spain - Version for Latin America. (YAP-SL), a self-report tool consisting of 15 items, will be used to gather data on physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors for a 7-day recall period

    Measured: surveys at baseline (week 1), midpoint (week 12), and endpoint (week 24).

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted7 Feb 2025
  2. Study start20 Feb 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completionNov 2025 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2025 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
80 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06813950
Sponsor's protocol ID
2024-068M
Status last verified
Feb 2025
First submitted
3 Feb 2025
Last updated
11 Feb 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Varni JW, Burwinkle TM, Katz ER, Meeske K, Dickinson P. The PedsQL in pediatric cancer: reliability and validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales, Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and Cancer Module. Cancer. 2002 Apr 1;94(7):2090-106. doi: 10.1002/cncr.10428.

    PubMed 11932914
  • Segura-Diaz JM, Barranco-Ruiz Y, Saucedo-Araujo RG, Aranda-Balboa MJ, Cadenas-Sanchez C, Migueles JH, Saint-Maurice PF, Ortega FB, Welk GJ, Herrador-Colmenero M, Chillon P, Villa-Gonzalez E. Feasibility and reliability of the Spanish version of the Youth Activity Profile questionnaire (YAP-Spain) in children and adolescents. J Sports Sci. 2021 Apr;39(7):801-807. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1847488. Epub 2020 Nov 20.

    PubMed 33213295
  • Saint-Maurice PF, Welk GJ. Validity and Calibration of the Youth Activity Profile. PLoS One. 2015 Dec 2;10(12):e0143949. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143949. eCollection 2015.

    PubMed 26630346
  • de Onis M, Onyango AW, Borghi E, Siyam A, Nishida C, Siekmann J. Development of a WHO growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents. Bull World Health Organ. 2007 Sep;85(9):660-7. doi: 10.2471/blt.07.043497.

    PubMed 18026621
  • Riedl D, Licht T, Nickels A, Rothmund M, Rumpold G, Holzner B, Grote V, Fischer MJ, Fischmeister G. Large Improvements in Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Fitness during Multidisciplinary Inpatient Rehabilitation for Pediatric Cancer Survivors. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Oct 4;14(19):4855. doi: 10.3390/cancers14194855.

    PubMed 36230777
  • Keats MR, Culos-Reed SN. A community-based physical activity program for adolescents with cancer (project TREK): program feasibility and preliminary findings. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2008 Apr;30(4):272-80. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e318162c476.

    PubMed 18391695
  • Gotte M, Taraks S, Boos J. Sports in pediatric oncology: the role(s) of physical activity for children with cancer. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2014 Mar;36(2):85-90. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000000101.

    PubMed 24390449
  • Rapti C, Dinas PC, Chryssanthopoulos C, Mila A, Philippou A. Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity Levels on Childhood Cancer: An Umbrella Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Mar 10;11(6):820. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11060820.

    PubMed 36981477
  • Chaput JP, Willumsen J, Bull F, Chou R, Ekelund U, Firth J, Jago R, Ortega FB, Katzmarzyk PT. 2020 WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour for children and adolescents aged 5-17 years: summary of the evidence. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2020 Nov 26;17(1):141. doi: 10.1186/s12966-020-01037-z.

    PubMed 33239009
  • Zhang FF, Saltzman E, Must A, Parsons SK. Do Childhood Cancer Survivors Meet the Diet and Physical Activity Guidelines? A Review of Guidelines and Literature. Int J Child Health Nutr. 2012;1(1):44-58. doi: 10.6000/1929-4247.2012.01.01.06. Epub 2012 Sep 25.

    PubMed 26973721
  • Braam KI, van der Torre P, Takken T, Veening MA, van Dulmen-den Broeder E, Kaspers GJ. Physical exercise training interventions for children and young adults during and after treatment for childhood cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Apr 30;(4):CD008796. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008796.pub2.

    PubMed 23633361
  • Oficina Regional para las Américas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. https://www.paho.org/es/temas/cancer-ninez-adolescencia#:~:text=En%20Am%C3%A9rica%20Latina%20y%20el,a%20causa%20de%20esta%20enfermedad. 2014 [cited 2024 Dec 1]. EL CÁNCER INFANTIL EN LAS AMÉRICAS. Available from: https://www.paho.org/es/temas/cancer-ninez-adolescencia#:~:text=En%20Am%C3%A9rica%20Latina%20y%20el,a%20causa%20de%20esta%20enfermedad

  • San Juan AF, Chamorro-Vina C, Mate-Munoz JL, Fernandez del Valle M, Cardona C, Hernandez M, Madero L, Perez M, Ramirez M, Lucia A. Functional capacity of children with leukemia. Int J Sports Med. 2008 Feb;29(2):163-7. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-964908. Epub 2007 Sep 18.

    PubMed 17879894
  • Tillmann V, Darlington AS, Eiser C, Bishop NJ, Davies HA. Male sex and low physical activity are associated with reduced spine bone mineral density in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Bone Miner Res. 2002 Jun;17(6):1073-80. doi: 10.1359/jbmr.2002.17.6.1073.

    PubMed 12054163
  • 3. INEC. Juntos para combatir el sedentarismo mediante el deporte y la actividad física. 2022. Juntos para combatir el sedentarismo mediante el deporte y la actividad física.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Physical activity in people with Cancer and Pediatric Cancer, run by Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cáncer at 1 site in Ecuador.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Feb 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Ecuador. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Gustavo Galárraga, MPH (0991946128, gustavo.galarraga@solcaquito.org.ec), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Health related quality of life (time frame: oth groups will complete the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) surveys at baseline (week 1), midpoint (week 12), and endpoint (week 24). These surveys are designed to assess changes in participants' HRQoL over time, providing comparative insig). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06813950, which also lists 16 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Feb 2025.

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