Childhood Cancer and Treatment Effects on Motor Performance

摘要

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(3): 657-668, 2018. Children with cancer report motor problems several years post treatment. Physical performance limitations can restrict the survivor's ability to participate fully in daily activities necessary for self-care, family life, and/or work. Motor performance in childhood cancer could be an important measure in symptom research. This review addresses motor performance limitations caused by cancer treatment in childhood cancer survivors. Several studies found performance deficits in strength and flexibility. Conflicting research in balance, coordination, and reaction time needs further consideration. The findings may indicate muscle atrophy as a cause of performance limitations rather than neurological issues caused by treatment. The evidence that suggest motor performance is affected by cancer and its treatment is still not fully understood. Larger cohorts of pediatric cancer patients during and after treatment phase are warranted to examine exercise as a preventative measure for deficiencies in motor performance.