Sonoda Y, Tobita R, Ikeda Y, Taga T. Effect of Early Physical Therapy on Children of School Age With Hematological Cancer: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.
Pediatr Phys Ther 2024;
36:80-86. [PMID:
37816168 DOI:
10.1097/pep.0000000000001061]
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Abstract
PURPOSE
Although physical therapy (PT) positively impacts exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with hematological cancers, the optimal time for intervention is unknown. We compared the effects of PT administered before and after initial cancer treatment on the exercise capacity and HRQOL of children with hematological cancer.
METHODS
The participants were allocated to early (before initiating treatment) and late PT (after initiating treatment) groups. We evaluated exercise capacity using the 6-min walking distance (6MWD) test and HRQOL using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.
RESULTS
Thirteen school children (7-13 years) were included. The early PT cohort had significant improvements in Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory but not 6MWD scores from admission to the completion of initial treatment; however, both scores reduced significantly in the late PT cohort.
CONCLUSIONS
Early rather than late PT during hospitalization might prevent reduced exercise capacity and improve HRQOL in children with hematological cancers.
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