The effect of exercise and motor interventions on physical activity and motor outcomes during and after medical intervention for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A systematic review

Background: Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) experience detrimental effects on motor function during and after chemotherapy. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of exercise and motor interventions on physical activity and motor outcomes of children with ALL during and after chemotherapy.

Methods: Ten databases were searched. Nineteen studies were included: 11 randomized clinical trials (RCT), 2 controlled clinical trials (CCT), and 6 cohort studies.

Results: Participants included 508 children with ALL. Between-group results from RCTs and CCTs supported that exercise and motor intervention improved: fatigue during acute chemotherapy; physical activity, range of motion (ROM), strength, bone mineral density, aerobic capacity, and fatigue during maintenance chemotherapy; functional mobility, ROM, strength, and aerobic capacity during post-treatment survivorship; and participation, physical activity, ROM, strength, and coordination during multiple-phase interventions.

Conclusion: Low quality evidence supports the efficacy of motor and exercise interventions for children and adolescents with ALL.