Effectiveness of a dose-graded aerobic exercise regimen on cardiopulmonary fitness and physical performance in pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a randomized clinical trial.

purposeTo determine whether a 12-week supervised dose-graded aerobic exercise (D-GAE) training, when implemented in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation, could help pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) enhance their cardiopulmonary capacity and improve their physical performance.

methodsFifty-eight pediatric survivors of ALL (age 13.78 ± 2.47 years; boys 60.34%) were assigned at random to either undergo the D-GAE in addition to the traditional physical rehabilitation (D-GAE group; n = 29) or the traditional physical rehabilitation solely (control group; n = 29). The cardiopulmonary fitness (peak oxygen uptake (VO

resultsThe mixed-model ANOVA revealed a meaningful increase of VO

conclusionA 12-week D-GAE program in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation holds promise in enhancing cardiopulmonary fitness and improving the physical performance of pediatric survivors of ALL. Clinicians and physical rehabilitation professionals can, therefore, integrate the D-GAE into the traditional rehabilitation protocols for such a patient population to optimize their cardiopulmonary fitness and physical function, while also facilitating a gradual transition to practice and adaption. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The favorable outcomes of this study bolster the inclusion of D-GAE as a crucial element in the care and rehabilitation of pediatric survivors of ALL. By embracing these findings, healthcare professionals and oncologists can contribute to mitigating the long-term cardiopulmonary and physical complications associated with cancer treatments and fostering a state of enhanced well-being and increased physical activity among survivors.