Rehabilitation in children and adolescents undergoing stem cell transplantation: A pilot study focused on motor performance.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this pilot trial is evaluating the preliminary effectiveness of two in-hospital interventions in the maintenance of motor performance in children/adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Secondary objectives investigated the interventions' feasibility, impact on fatigue and to what degree the subjects' maintained their ankle dorsiflexion range of movement (ROM), functional mobility, muscle strength and flexibility. METHODS: This trial included 5- to 18-year-old participants, affected by oncological and non-oncological diseases during hospitalisation for autologous/allogenic HSCT. The subjects were assigned to an exercise group (EG), or a counselling group based on a cluster model based on inpatient timeframe. The EG subjects performed strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises for 30 min/5 days a week. Both groups followed rehabilitation counselling indications (RCI), 7 days a week. RESULTS: Forty-nine participants were enrolled (median age = 12.9 years) (EG n = 36). In both groups the participants maintained their baseline motor performance and ankle ROM, and the children/adolescents and parents reduced their levels of fatigue. However, the interventions were not effective in maintaining strength. CONCLUSION: In maintaining the subjects' motor performance, the RCI results are significant because they pave the way for the application in clinical practice contexts where there are poor rehabilitation resources. Clinical Trials registration NCT03842735.

Development of a functional and psychosocial evaluation toolkit using mixed methodology in a community-based physical activity program for childhood cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The evidence demonstrating the benefits of exercise and PA in patients and survivors of childhood cancer has been translated into a handful of community-based programs, such as the Pediatric cancer patients and survivors Engaging in Exercise for Recovery Program (PEER). To support the translation of research to practice, the next step in knowledge translation is to evaluate program effectiveness. An evaluation must consider the goals of the PEER program, feedback from key stakeholders, and logistics of this program. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop an evaluation toolkit with an algorithm for the implementation of the PEER program. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three different groups (stakeholders in pediatric oncology, PEER parents, and PEER participants). The interviews were transcribed and coded by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: Key themes extracted from the interviews were split into physical and psychosocial themes. The most reported psychosocial themes were quality of life (QOL), fatigue/energy levels, fun, and cs; and physical themes included motor skills, physical literacy, and physical activity levels. Tools were compiled into the evaluation based on key themes identified as well as logistics of PEER. An algorithm was developed to tailor the evaluation to participants based on age and mobility. CONCLUSION: To date, this is the first evaluation toolkit and algorithm developed for a specific community-based PA program, the PEER program. The next step in knowledge translation will be to implement the evaluation to assess feasibility and share the evaluation for adoption within other developing programs.

Physical and functional performance assessment in pediatric oncology: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Research indicates reduced physical performance from diagnosis into survivorship of pediatric cancer patients. However, there is no systematic information or guideline available on the methods to assess physical performance and function in this population. The purpose was to systematically compile and describe assessments of physical performance and function in patients and survivors of pediatric cancer, including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, speed, balance, flexibility, functional mobility, gait and motor performance test batteries. METHODS: We searched the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Database and performed abstract and full-text selection of 2619 articles according to the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews. Information on patients characteristics, assessments, information on validity and reliability, and relevant references was extracted. RESULTS: In summary, 63 different assessments were found in 149 studies including 11639 participants. Most studies evaluated cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength with the majority conducted off treatment. Some outcomes (e.g. speed) and diagnoses (e.g. neuroblastoma) were severely underrepresented. With the exception of gait, leukemia patients represented the largest group of individuals tested. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient data and patient heterogeneity complicate uniform recommendations for assessments. Our results support researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate assessment to meet their specific research questions or individual daily practice needs. IMPACT: This systematic review includes 149 studies and provides a comprehensive summary of 63 assessments to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, speed, balance, flexibility, functional mobility, gait or motor performance test batteries in patients and survivors of pediatric cancer. We present the most studied fields within the pediatric cancer population, which are cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, off treatment phase, and leukemia patients. We propose research priorities by identification of subgroups in terms of cancer type, phase of treatment, and outcome of interest that are underrepresented in studies currently available.

The international Pediatric Oncology Exercise Guidelines (iPOEG).

Physical activity (PA) and exercise are safe and beneficial for children and adolescents affected by cancer. Yet, this population is not active enough to receive benefits. PA guideline and recommendation statements can support individual behavior and practice change. The purpose of this project was to develop the international Pediatric Oncology Exercise Guidelines (iPOEG), comprised of guideline and recommendation statements, to promote PA among children and adolescents affected by cancer. Guideline development procedures, stakeholder engagement strategies, and the Delphi technique were used. Four online surveys were distributed to the iPOEG network (n = 9 core team members, n = 122 expert consensus committee members). Surveys included closed- and open-ended items informed by a literature synthesis and an in-person meeting. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Consensus was defined as ≥ 80% agreement. Response rates to online surveys ranged from 82% to 91%. The iPOEG network agreed on four guideline and five recommendation statements, which highlight that movement is important for all children and adolescents affected by cancer. These statements are generic in nature as more research is still required to provide specific guidance on the frequency, intensity, time, and type of PA for this population. Nevertheless, the iPOEG statements represent available evidence and expert opinion, collectively suggesting that it is time for children and adolescents affected by cancer to move more.

Physical activity is safe and beneficial for children and adolescents affected by cancer. Yet, most are not active enough to receive benefits. Guideline and recommendation statements can help change individual behavior and practice. To develop such statements, guideline development procedures, stakeholder engagement strategies, and the Delphi technique were used. Four online surveys were distributed to an international network (n = 131 experts). Surveys asked closed- and open-ended questions informed by a literature synthesis and an in-person meeting. Findings from the online surveys resulted in the international Pediatric Oncology Exercise Guidelines statements, which highlight that it is time for children and adolescents affected by cancer to move more.

Advancing the Field of Pediatric Exercise Oncology: Research and Innovation Needs.

The field of pediatric exercise oncology explores the relationships between physical activity (PA), including exercise, and a range of outcomes among children and adolescents affected by cancer. Although PA is safe and beneficial for this population, several important gaps in knowledge and practice remain. In this article, we describe research and innovation needs that were developed with a team of international experts and relevant literature, a series of online surveys, and an in-person meeting. Addressing these needs will contribute valuable knowledge and practice outputs to advance this field, ultimately enabling a greater number of children and adolescents affected by cancer to realize the benefits of moving more.

Evaluation Tools for Physical Activity Programs for Childhood Cancer: A Scoping Review.

Research on the benefits of physical activity (PA) in childhood cancer has been translated into a handful of community-based programs. However, to foster further translation, an understanding of how to evaluate participant outcomes would be beneficial to provide feedback to participants and stimulate future research. Such a review would provide a summary of acceptable tools for work in this area. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify the evaluation tools that have been used in PA/exercise studies or programs for childhood cancer. This review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies included in the review used physical and psychosocial evaluation tools within PA and exercise programs or research for childhood cancer. In addition, studies with measures of health behavior such as PA levels and activities of daily living were included. Tools that assessed physical fitness and physical performance were excluded. Information on the types of evaluation tools used, mean age of participants, and type of cancer was extracted. Psychometric properties of each evaluation tool are reported. The most commonly assessed patient outcomes were motor performance, fatigue, well-being, functional mobility, and quality of life. Less commonly reported patient outcomes were hope, self-efficacy, and self-perception. None of the evaluation tools reported in the PA/exercise and pediatric oncology literature assess physical literacy. This review was the first step in a knowledge translation process, identifying evaluation tools that have been used in PA/exercise programs in childhood cancer survivors, that will guide the development and evaluation of current and future community-based programs.

Physical activity programs for children diagnosed with cancer: an international environmental scan.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity programs for children diagnosed with cancer may enhance health and quality of life. However, it is unknown where and in what capacity such programs are being offered internationally. PURPOSE: To identify physical activity programs for children diagnosed with cancer and summarize program characteristics. METHODS: Five data sources were searched to identify physical activity programs offered to children diagnosed with cancer. Following confirmation of eligibility, correspondents were sent a series of open-ended questions via email. Data were extracted from responses and summarized descriptively and narratively. RESULTS: Of the 140 unique correspondents contacted, 46 programs, in 10 countries, met eligibility criteria. Responses to open-ended follow-up questions were obtained from 36 programs and were subsequently included in the content analysis. Internationally, the majority of programs are being offered to children in Europe, with mixed cancer types, at different stages of the cancer trajectory. There is relatively equal distribution with regard to the setting in which programs are offered (i.e., community, hospital, combination). All correspondents reported that their program is professionally supervised, and most require that children obtain medical clearance prior to participating. There is considerable variability in terms of other key program (e.g., funding) and physical activity characteristics (e.g., frequency). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this environmental scan highlight where and in what capacity physical activity programs are being offered, providing guidance for those seeking to develop/implement physical activity programs themselves. Moreover, results highlight the current state of practice, underscoring the necessity of international networks, multi-site collaborations, and public relations to ensure all children diagnosed with cancer have access to physical activity programs.

Exercise program for children and adolescents with leukemia and lymphoma during treatment: A comprehensive review.

An exercise program (EP) during cancer treatment seems to be a valid strategy against physiological and quality-of-life impairments, but scientific evidence of benefits among pediatric patients is still limited. This review summarizes the literature focused on randomized controlled trials of EP offered to patients during leukemia and lymphoma treatment. Studies published up to June 2017 were selected from multiple databases and assessed by three independent reviewers for methodological validity. The review identified eight studies, but several types of bias have to be avoided to provide evidence-based recommendations accessible to patients, families, and professionals.

Influence of a Moderate-Intensity Exercise Program on Early NK Cell Immune Recovery in Pediatric Patients After Reduced-Intensity Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: After allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), NK cell reconstitution, which is crucial for positive outcomes, is dominated by the CD56bright subset with low NK cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) activity. Moderate exercise has been described as a potent NK cell stimulus in adults with cancer. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a moderate-intensity exercise program on NK cell recovery early after HSCT and the feasibility of this intervention. METHODS: Six children undergoing allogeneic HSCT were randomized to an exercise program (EP) or control (CT) group. The EP group performed a 10-week training combining in-hospital and home-based EP. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase in the posttraining/pretraining ratio of the CD56dim subset (EP = 1.27 ± 0.07; CT = 0.99 ± 0.08; P < .005) of the EP group. The ratio of NKCC was 8 times greater in the EP group. CONCLUSION: Data suggest that a moderate-intensity EP program performed early after HSCT is feasible and might redistribute the CD56dim/CD56brigh NK cell subset, improving NKCC. The results are still preliminary and must be interpreted with caution.

Ankle Dorsiflexion in Childhood Cancer Patients: A Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Improved treatment protocols necessary for survival in pediatric oncology are associated with the development of serious late effects. Of particular importance, especially with regard to physical activity, may be ankle dorsiflexion (DF). OBJECTIVE: This review summarizes the results of observational and exercise intervention studies exploring ankle DF-range of motion (DF-ROM) and/or ankle DF strength in pediatric oncology. METHODS: PUBMED, Medline, Cochrane library, and SportDiscus were searched by 2 researchers using predefined search terms. The reference lists of included papers and Google scholar were then searched to that ensure all appropriate articles were included. RESULTS: Twelve studies were identified and were observational (n = 8), providing information regarding the status of DF-ROM and/or DF strength, or intervention studies (n = 4) using exercise as a strategy to improve DF function. All observational studies reported some degree of impairment in ankle DF. Two intervention studies found a positive effect of exercise on ankle DF-ROM. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results suggest that pediatric cancer patients and survivors suffer from limitations in ankle DF with interventions varying in efficacy. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: It is hoped that this review will enhance the recognition of the limited ankle DF function in pediatric oncology and initiate further research programs focused on targeting and evaluating ankle DF.

The feasibility and benefits of a 12-week yoga intervention for pediatric cancer out-patients.

BACKGROUND: Increasing rates of survival present a new set of psychosocial and physical challenges for children undergoing treatment for cancer. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to be a safe and effective strategy to mitigate the significant burden of cancer and its treatments, with yoga increasingly gaining recognition as a gentle alternative. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and benefits of a 12-week community-based yoga intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQL), select physical fitness outcomes and PA levels (PAL). PROCEDURE: Eight pediatric cancer out-patients (4 male; 4 female; Mage = 11.88, SD = 4.26) participated in the 12-week intervention consisting of supervised yoga sessions 2 times/week. Participants (patients and parent proxies) completed measures assessing HRQL, physical fitness and PAL at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: Rates of recruitment, retention, attendance and adverse events indicated the program was feasible. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests indicated significant improvements for patient (P = 0.02) and parent reported HRQL (P = 0.03), functional mobility (P = 0.01), hamstring flexibility (left, P = 0.01 and right P = 0.02), and total PAL (P = 0.02) pre to post intervention. CONCLUSION: This 12-week community-based yoga intervention was feasible and provides preliminary evidence for the benefits of yoga on HRQL, physical fitness and PAL in pediatric cancer out-patients. In a population where sedentary behavior and the associated co-morbidities are a growing concern, these results promote the continued exploration of yoga programming.

EXERCISE in pediatric autologous stem cell transplant patients: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an intensive therapy used to improve survivorship and cure various oncologic diseases. However, this therapy is associated with high mortality rates and numerous negative side-effects. The recovery of the immune system is a special concern and plays a key role in the success of this treatment. In healthy populations it is known that exercise plays an important role in immune system regulation, but little is known about the role of exercise in the hematological and immunological recovery of children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The primary objective of this randomized-controlled trial (RCT) is to study the effect of an exercise program (in- and outpatient) on immune cell recovery in patients undergoing an autologous stem cell transplantation. The secondary objective is to determine if an exercise intervention diminishes the usual deterioration in quality of life, physical fitness, and the acquisition of a sedentary lifestyle. METHODS: This RCT has received approval from The Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB) of the University of Calgary (Ethics ID # E-24476). Twenty-four participants treated for a malignancy with autologous stem cell transplant (5 to 18 years) in the Alberta Children's Hospital will be randomly assigned to an exercise or control group. The exercise group will participate in a two-phase exercise intervention (in- and outpatient) from hospitalization until 10 weeks after discharge. The exercise program includes strength, flexibility and aerobic exercise. During the inpatient phase this program will be performed 5 times/week and will be supervised. The outpatient phase will combine a supervised session with two home-based exercise sessions with the use of the Wii device. The control group will follow the standard protocol without any specific exercise program. A range of outcomes, including quantitative and functional recovery of immune system, cytokine levels in serum, natural killer (NK) cells and their subset recovery and function, and gene expression of activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors, body composition, nutrition, quality of life, fatigue, health-related fitness assessment and physical activity levels will be examined, providing the most comprehensive assessment to date. DISCUSSION: We expect to find improvements in immunological recovery and quality of life, and decreased acquisition of sedentary behavior and fitness deconditioning. The comprehensive outcomes generated in this RCT will provide preliminary data to conduct a multisite study that will generate stronger outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Gov identification # NCT01666015.

Exercise during hematopoietic stem cell transplant hospitalization in children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this controlled trial was to assess the effect of an approximately 3-wk intrahospital exercise intervention performed during inpatient hospitalization for pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) on (i) immune cell recovery and (ii) body composition. METHODS: Immune (i.e., blood counts of leukocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, and lymphocyte subpopulations) and anthropometric variables (i.e., body mass, body mass index, and estimated fat-free mass) were measured before and after (+15 and 30 d) HSCT. Seven children (5 boys and 2 girls; age (mean +/- SD) = 8 +/- 4 yr) with high-risk cancer performed an individualized training program (aerobic + resistance exercises) in their isolated hospital rooms. We also assessed a control group (n = 13; 9 boys and 4 girls; age = 7 +/- 3 yr) with similar medical conditions and following the same transplant protocol. RESULTS: In both groups, the dendritic cell count decreased from pre-HSCT to +15 d post-HSCT and thereafter (up to +30 d) remained stabile; however, the posttransplant decrease was more abrupt in the control group than that in the intervention group (-87% vs -63%, respectively, from pre-HSCT to +15 d). The rest of the immune cell parameters measured showed a similar response from pre-HSCT to post-HSCT in both groups. We found a significant effect of the interaction group x time for all anthropometric variables (weight, body mass index, body fat, and fat-free mass), indicating an increase over the hospitalization period only in the intervention group, for example, body mass increased from 32.9 +/- 18.7 kg pre-HSCT to 35.4 +/- 18.6 kg at +30 d in the intervention group versus a decrease from 30.2 +/- 16.6 to 29.3 +/- 6.3 kg in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the feasibility of exercise training interventions during hospitalization, including immunocompromised children.

Favorable responses to acute and chronic exercise in McArdle patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports acute exercise responses in a large (N = 46) series of patients with McArdle disease and responses to exercise training in a smaller (n = 9) set of patients. DESIGN: Patients were studied during both incremental and steady-state cycle ergometer exercise, using cardiopulmonary testing, and the patients were compared with age- and gender-matched controls. SETTING: The study was performed in a university setting (clinical exercise physiology laboratory). PARTICIPANTS: The 46 patients showed common features of McArdle disease. They were definitively diagnosed by histochemistry, biochemistry, and/or molecular genetic analysis. The 46 controls were healthy, sedentary individuals. INTERVENTION: Nine patients were studied before and after an 8-month supervised aerobic exercise training program (including five weekly sessions of walking and/or cycling exercise with a duration no greater than 60 minutes). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The main indicators of exercise capacity that we measured were peak power output, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and ventilatory threshold (VT). RESULTS: Exercise capacity (peak power output, 35% control; VO2peak, 44% control; VT, 66% control) was markedly depressed in the patients. The patients who trained improved peak power output (25%), VO2peak (44%), and VT (27%), with no evidence of negative outcomes from training. Although not achieving normal values, the response to training put the patients into the lower limit of normal controls. CONCLUSIONS: Under carefully controlled conditions, patients with McArdle disease may perform acute exercise safely, and they may respond favorably to training. This may offer an additional therapeutic option to help normalize the lifestyles of these patients.

The 577X allele of the ACTN3 gene is associated with improved exercise capacity in women with McArdle's disease.

We assessed the possible association existing between alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) R577X genotypes and the capacity for performing aerobic exercise in McArdle's patients. Forty adult McArdle's disease patients and forty healthy, age and gender-matched sedentary controls (21 men, 19 women in both groups) performed a graded test until exhaustion and a constant-load test on a cycle-ergometer to determine clinically relevant indices of exercise capacity as peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)) and the ventilatory threshold (VT). In the group of diseased women, carriers of the X allele had a higher (P<0.01) VO(2peak) (15.0+/-1.2 ml/kg/min) and a higher (P<0.05) oxygen uptake (VO(2)) at the VT (11.2+/-1 ml/kg/min) than R/R homozygotes (VO(2peak): 9.6+/-0.5 ml/kg/min; VO(2) at the VT: 8.2+/-0.7 ml/kg/min). No differences were found in male patients. In women with McArdle's disease, ACTN3 genotypes might partly explain the large individual variability that exists in the phenotypic manifestation of this disorder.

Early-phase adaptations to intrahospital training in strength and functional mobility of children with leukemia.

Improvements in chemotherapy and radiotherapy have contributed to the high survival rate (approximately 70%) of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, during treatment, lack of physical activity and treatment cause various short- to long-term side effects, such as muscle atrophy and physical deconditioning. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an intrahospital, short-duration (8 weeks) exercise training program on muscle strength and endurance and functional mobility of children with ALL. Seven children (4 boys and 3 girls; 4-7 years of age) who were in the maintenance phase of treatment for ALL were selected as subjects. Three training sessions of 90- to 120-minute duration were performed each week. Each session included 11 different strength exercises engaging the major muscle groups and aerobic training. Gains in strength and endurance were assessed with a 6 repetition maximum test for upper (seated bench press and seated lateral row) and lower extremities (leg press). Gains in functional mobility were assessed with the time up and go test (TUG) and the timed up and down stairs test (TUDS). Performance was significantly improved after the training program in all strength tests (p < 0.01 for seated bench press and p < 0.05 for both seated lateral row and seated leg press) and in the TUG test (p < 0.05). In summary, a period of time as short as 8 weeks is enough to produce clinically relevant early-phase adaptations in children receiving treatment against ALL (i.e., improved functional mobility and muscle strength). Although more research is needed in the area of exercise training and pediatric cancer, exercise sciences can play a beneficial role in assisting both oncologists in treating cancer and improving children's quality of life during and after treatment.

Effects of an intrahospital exercise program intervention for children with leukemia.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to investigate the effect of a 16-wk intrahospital supervised conditioning program including both resistance and aerobic training and a 20-wk detraining period on measures of aerobic fitness, muscular strength, functional mobility, ankle range of motion, and quality of life (QOL) in children receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS: Seven children (four boys, three girls; age: 5.1 +/- 1.2 yr, body mass: 24.0 +/- 5.8 kg, height: 114.6 +/- 7.7 cm) in the maintenance phase of treatment against ALL performed three sessions per week for 16 wk of resistance (one set of 8-15 repetitions of 11 exercises) and aerobic training (30 min at > 70% HRmax) followed by 20 wk of detraining where no structured exercise program was performed. Before training, after training, and after detraining, a treadmill test determining .VO2peak and ventilator threshold (VT), muscular strength (6RM), functional mobility (timed up and down stairs test, time up and go 3-m and 10-m tests), passive and dynamic ankle range of motion, and self-reported quality of living were determined. RESULTS: After training, significant increases in .VO2peak, VT, upper- and lower-body muscular strength, and all measures of functional mobility were shown (P < 0.05). Muscular strength was well maintained (significantly greater than before training and no significant decrease from after training) during detraining, whereas .VO2peak, VT, and functional mobility (not significantly different from before training but no significant decrease from after training) were only partially retained. CONCLUSION: Young children in the maintenance phase of treatment against ALL can safely perform both aerobic and resistance training. Training results in significant increases in measures of aerobic fitness, strength, and functional mobility. During detraining, strength and functional mobility are well maintained, whereas .VO2peak and VT are partially maintained.

Physiological characteristics of the best Eritrean runners-exceptional running economy.

Despite their young age, limited training history, and lack of running tradition compared with other East African endurance athletes (e.g., Kenyans and Ethiopians), male endurance runners from Eritrea have recently attained important running successes. The purposes of our study were (i) to document the main physical and physiological characteristics of elite black Eritrean distance runners (n = 7; age: 22 +/- 3 years) and (ii) to compare them with those of their elite white Spanish counterparts. For this second purpose we selected a control group of elite Spanish runners (n = 9; 24 +/- 2 years), owing to the traditionally high success of Spanish athletes in long-distance running compared with other white runners, especially in cross-country competitions. The subjects' main anthropometric characteristics were determined, together with their maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and VO2 (mL.kg(-1).min(-1)), blood lactate, and ammonia concentrations while running at 17, 19, or 21 km.h(-1). The body mass index (18.9 +/- 1.5 kg.m(-2)) and maximal calf circumference (30.9 +/- 1.5 cm) was lower in Eritreans than in Spaniards (20.5 +/- 1.7 kg.m(-2) and 33.9 +/- 2.0 cm, respectively) (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and their lower leg (shank) length was longer (44.1 +/- 3.0 cm vs. 40.6 +/- 2.7 cm, respectively) (p < 0.05). VO2 max did not differ significantly between Eritreans and Spaniards (73.8 +/- 5.6 mL.kg(-1).min(-1) vs. 77.8 +/- 5.7 mL.kg(-1).min(-1), respectively), whereas the VO2 cost of running was lower (p < 0.01) in the former (e.g., 65.9 +/- 6.8 mL.kg(-1).min(-1) vs. 74.8 +/- 5.0 mL.kg(-1).min(-1) when running at 21 km.h(-1)). Our data suggest that the excellent running economy of Eritreans is associated, at least partly, with anthropometric variables. Comparison of their submaximal running cost with other published data suggests that superior running economy, rather than enhanced aerobic capacity, may be the common denominator in the success of black endurance runners of East African origin.

Physical activity during treatment in children with leukemia: a pilot study.

The purpose of this pilot study was to measure physical activity (PA) levels in children undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and to compare the results with those from age-matched healthy children. We used the MTI Actigraph accelerometer to determine PA (during a 1 week period) in children (n = 7; age = 4-7 y) undergoing maintenance treatment for ALL and in age-matched controls (n = 7). The number of children accumulating at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for 5 or more days of the week was 3 for the control group, whereas no children with ALL met this criterion. Significantly lower levels of total weekly time of MVPA were seen in children being treated for ALL (328 +/- 107 min) than in controls (506 +/- 175 min) (p < 0.05). When weekday data was analyzed, the ALL patients also had significantly lower mean daily times of MVPA (49 +/- 23 min vs. 79 +/- 25 min). It is thus important that young ALL sufferers are encouraged to participate in appropriate sports, games, and physical activities both in the family and school environments that will prime them with positive attitudes to PA during the critical early years of life.