Effect of Cognitively Challenging Physical Activity on Executive Functions in Pediatric Cancer Patients

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BERN · Feb 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how physically active play that challenges thinking can help improve the thinking and movement skills of children and teens with cancer. The researchers believe that exercise can actually be beneficial for young patients, helping them feel better both physically and mentally during their treatment. They want to see if a special program that combines fun physical activities with cognitive challenges—like tasks that require thinking and concentration—can lead to better attention, memory, and even school performance compared to regular care.

To participate, children aged 6 to 17 who are undergoing cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation for at least six weeks can be eligible, as long as they don’t have any serious physical or mental disabilities that would prevent them from joining in. The trial will involve activities that can be done both in-person and online, and it will also include support for participants after their treatment ends to help them get back to regular activities like sports or school. Parents or guardians will need to give their permission for their child to take part.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Written informed consent of parents / legal guardian and participants, where applicable
• • Diagnosis of any type of cancer requiring chemo- and/or radiotherapy, or CNS surgery, expected to last a minimum of at least 6 weeks at the time of recruitment
• • Age: 6-17.99 years at time of recruitment
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Cognitive and physical disabilities that prevent participation in the intervention.
• • Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems.
• • Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons.
• • Denied written informed consent from participants.