Effects of Home-Based Exercise Program in Children After Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Effects of Home-Based Exercise Program in Children After Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

This prospective randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of a home-based exercise program on physical functions, inflammatory markers, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in children followed after Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) treatments. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), dorsiflexion and knee extensor muscle strength, hand grip strength, aerobic endurance, and functional mobility were assessed using a goniometer, digital dynamometer; hand dynamometer, 6 Minute Walk Test (6 MWT), Timed Up and Go Test respectively. Interleukin-1 Beta, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and BDNF values were examined using ELISA kits. 20 patients will be included in the study. The patients randomly divided into 2 groups: exercise (n:10) and control (n:10). The exercise group performed a home-based exercise program consisting of aerobics 3 days a week and strengthening and stretching exercises 2 days a week, with videos and infographics, for 8 weeks. The control group was advised to increase physical activity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between the ages of 6-18,
• Having clinical diagnose of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia,
• Being completed medical treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a history of neurological, developmental, or genetic disorders,
• Communicating problems
• Medical conditions such as advanced cardiac damage, decreased bone quality, acute infection, and cancer recurrence.

Children who could not accomplish the exercises and evaluations, who did not want to continue the study, who could not be contacted for more than 2 weeks, and who disrupted the exercise program for more than 2 weeks were excluded from the study.