Fitness to Aid the Brain and Cognitive Skills

Launched by THE HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN · May 4, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Fitness to Aid the Brain and Cognitive Skills" clinical trial is looking at how effective community-led aerobic exercise training can be for children and young adults who have survived brain tumors. The goal is to see if a 12-week program of exercise led by local instructors is possible and helpful for these survivors. The researchers will also test a web-based platform to deliver this exercise training online. They hope that participating in regular exercise will improve the cognitive skills—like thinking and memory—of these young patients.

To join the study, participants need to be between 6 and 17 years old, have been diagnosed with a brain tumor, and must be medically stable, meaning they are in remission. Their parent or guardian will also need to help by completing some health questionnaires. Participants can expect to take part in fun exercise sessions with others and may have access to online resources. It's important to note that certain conditions, like having a serious neurological disorder or being pregnant, may prevent someone from joining the study. This trial is currently recruiting participants, so if you or someone you know might be interested, it could be a great opportunity!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Between 6 years and 17 years and 11 months of age at time of enrollment
• • 2. Diagnosed with a brain tumour
• • 3. 1 to 15 years between diagnosis and time of study enrollment
• • 4. Medically stable (i.e. must be in remission) as determined by a permanent SickKids staff Neuro-Oncologist
• • 5. Either declare English as their native language or have at least two years of schooling in English at the time of their first assessment
• • 6. Have a parent or legal guardian willing to complete the Health and Quality of Life measures
• • 7. Informed consent (and assent, where applicable) will be obtained from the participants and/or their legal guardians
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Any condition or diagnosis, that could in the opinion of the Principal Investigator or delegate, interfere with the participant's ability to comply with study instructions, might confound the interpretation of the study results, or put the participant at risk
• • 2. Diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental or neurological disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental delay or learning disability prior to initial brain tumour diagnosis that would preclude safe participation
• • 3. Receiving palliative care
• • 4. Require sedation for neuroimaging
• • 5. Have ferrous metal implants (i.e. cochlear implant, braces, etc.)
• • 6. Have a programmable shunt
• • 7. Pregnant
• • 8. Completed any prior cognitive rehabilitation intervention within three months of enrollment