Availability and adaption of exercise programs in pediatric oncology during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: a nationwide follow-up survey of providers in Germany.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented major challenges to clinical practice and delivery of care programs throughout all health care systems. Exercise programs, that are implemented in most centers for pediatric oncology in Germany, are a relatively new care program however with high clinical impact and health benefits.

Objective

The impact and consequences of the pandemic on the delivery and availability of exercise programs in Germany for pediatric cancer patients and survivors are unknown. A national survey analyzed restrictions, challenges and novel approaches of exercise program delivery and scientific research.

Method

A two-stage online survey was distributed to providers of exercise programs (acute clinics, non-clinical institutions, rehabilitation facilities) via the established Network ActiveOncoKids. Data was collected during the pandemic in 2022 and 2023 using a combination of open and closed questions.

Results

In total,

Discussion

The findings highlight the adaptability, the demand and the potential of exercise programs in pediatric oncology. We assume that exercise professionals have used the pandemic-related challenges to review and modify existing concepts and made adaptations according to local conditions and novel tools for the provision of exercise programs. Nevertheless, a conspicuous lack of exercise-related care has become evident in certain patients and survivors. Further expansion of programs is imperative to address and accommodate all pertinent needs.

Informations de copyright

© 2024 Kesting, Gaser, Queisser, Götte, von Luettichau, Peters, Oberhoffer-Fritz and Gauß.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.