Lemay V; Caru M; Samoilenko M;Drouin S; Mathieu ME; Bertout L; Lefebvre G; Raboisson MJ; Krajinovic M; Laverdière C; Andelfinger G; Sinnett D; Curnier D;

Journal Of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology [J Pediatr Hematol Oncol] 2019 Sep 19. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Sep 19.

Introduction: More than two thirds of survivors have long-term adverse effects, and no study proposes a portrait of physical activity level in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors. The aims of this study were to present the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels of survivors detailed overview sedentary activities portrait.
Methods: A total of 247 childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors were included in our study. Survivors underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test on ergocycle and completed physical activity and sedentary questionnaires to assess their leisure physical and sedentary activities and total daily energy expenditure.
Results: Up to 67% of survivors (84% below 18 y and 60% aged 18 y or above) did not fulfill the physical activity guidelines. Their CRF was reduced by almost 16% in regard to their predicted maximum oxygen consumption (VO2peak). Almost three quarters of the survivors (70% below 18 y and 76% aged 18 y or above) spent >2 hours/day in leisure sedentary activities. Adult survivors who received high doses of anthracyclines and those who received radiation therapy had decreased odds to spend ≥2 hours/day in sedentary activities.
Conclusions: Our results showed that survivors, especially children, were not active enough and had a reduced CRF. This study highlights the importance of promoting physical activity in survivors, especially because they are exposed to an increased risk of chronic health problems, which could be mitigated by physical activity.