Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41611218›Full record

ArticleJMIR cancer2026

Measurements and Digital Technology Solutions to Monitor Physical Activity in Patients With Pediatric Cancer: Scoping Review.

Greta Franceska Jermolenko, Guna Semjonova, Aija Klavina, Evita Dubinina, Keita Augstkalne, Klavs Balamovskis-Kalnins, Alina Cesuna, Emil Syundyukov, Dace Bertule, Madara Blumberga and 1 more

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in JMIR cancer, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Observational
  3. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Greta Franceska Jermolenko *Laboratory of Sports and Nutrition Research, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia.ORCID 0009-0002-3222-3340
Guna SemjonovaLatvian Academy of Sport Education, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia.ORCID 0000-0002-6554-0716
Aija Klavina *Laboratory of Sports and Nutrition Research, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia.ORCID 0000-0003-1959-9941
Evita Dubinina *Latvian Academy of Sport Education, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia.ORCID 0009-0001-0218-9121
Keita Augstkalne *Latvian Academy of Sport Education, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia.ORCID 0009-0001-2434-2529
Klavs Balamovskis-Kalnins *Latvian Academy of Sport Education, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia.ORCID 0009-0003-7733-4957
Alina Cesuna *Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.ORCID 0009-0004-1454-2190
Emil Syundyukov *Latvian Academy of Sport Education, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia.ORCID 0000-0001-7456-7366
Dace Bertule *Department of Rehabilitation, Rīga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia.ORCID 0000-0002-3074-4188
Madara Blumberga *Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia.ORCID 0000-0002-2194-2764
Ilze Kundzina *Joint study program Service Design Strategies and Innovation, Art Academy of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.ORCID 0009-0005-7273-2985

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPatients with pediatric cancer often experience reduced physical activity (PA) due to treatment-related fatigue, functional limitations, and lack of structured exercise programs. Digital health solutions, including wearable sensors and augmented reality (AR)-based interventions, may offer new possibilities for monitoring and improving PA in this population.

objectiveThis scoping review aims to address existing research gaps by identifying the instruments-both conventional and digital-used to monitor PA in patients with pediatric cancer during treatment. In addition, this study examines PA monitoring methods, identifies the variables collected, and explores the applicability of digital health solutions in facilitating PA engagement among patients with pediatric cancer.

methodsIn accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, a systematic search was conducted across 8 scientific databases-ProQuest, Web of Science, EBSCO Complete, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Cochrane-on April 18 and 19, 2024. Studies were screened using the Rayyan AI-assisted review tool based on predefined inclusion criteria targeting children aged 7-19 years who were undergoing cancer treatment or were within 2 years posttreatment. Eligible studies included clinical trials and observational studies that examined objective (eg, wearable sensors) and subjective (eg, questionnaires and self-reports) approaches to PA monitoring. Keywords and controlled vocabulary (eg, MeSH [Medical Subject Headings] terms) were identified through a review of relevant literature. Data were extracted systematically to capture study characteristics, intervention types, and outcome measures. Extracted data were charted and synthesized narratively to identify patterns, technological applications, and research gaps in PA monitoring among patients with pediatric cancer.

resultsTwelve studies met the inclusion criteria and employed a range of PA monitoring tools. Digital health solutions, including Actical and Garmin VivoFit 3 devices, were used in 5 studies to assess step counts, gait cycles, and movement intensity. Self-reported measures were identified in 11 studies, most commonly the Activities Scale for Kids and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, which provided insights into mobility and fatigue. Despite their feasibility, subjective assessments were limited by recall bias and motivational factors. Although digital health solutions-such as wearable sensors, gamification, and mobile applications-showed potential to improve PA adherence, their application remains underutilized, and evidence regarding their integration in pediatric oncology is limited.

conclusionsExisting objective and subjective methods for monitoring PA provide valuable insights; however, gaps remain in the use of interactive digital health solutions, such as AR-based interventions, for PA monitoring and engagement. Future research should focus on integrating digital tools that not only track PA but also actively engage patients, enhance motivation, and support rehabilitation across both clinical and home settings.

Indexed as

Digital TechnologyExerciseNeoplasmsAdolescentChildHumansMonitoring, PhysiologicWearable Electronic Devicesaugmented realitycancerdigital health solutionsgamificationpediatric oncologyphysical activity monitoring

Identifiers

PMID41611218
PMCPMC12902754

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.