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Physical Activity and Exercise During Early Treatment Phases for Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia to Protect Against Muscle Loss and Improve Frailty Outcomes
Sponsor: Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Summary
This is a small trial testing out a new approach before doing a bigger study. Researchers are observing a group of children/adolescents (ages 5-17) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and testing a physical activity and exercise program on a group of them who after 5 weeks of treatment show signs of weakness or frailty. Kids who are NOT losing muscle aren't part of the exercise trial - they're just monitored over time to see how they do. The goal: To see if an exercise program helps kids who are getting weaker from acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment build back/maintain their strength, compared to kids who don't do the extra intervention. The study will also look at if this way of measuring muscle weakness works well for kids with cancer.
Official title: The PROTECT Trial Physical Activity and Exercise During Early Treatment for Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia to Protect Against Sarcopenia and Improve Frailty Outcomes: a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
5 Years - 17 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2026-02-24
Completion Date
2028-10
Last Updated
2026-03-12
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Exercise
These participants demonstrated early signs of sarcopenia at the post induction phase of treatment assessment point and were randomised to the intervention group. The intervention group receives 9 weeks of goal setting and physical activity behaviour change coaching (with activity tracking via Fitbit for continuous feedback) as well as concurrent 8 weeks of 3x45-60 minute structured exercise sessions weekly. These are individualised based on their functional performance outcomes from the assessment prior to randomisation with a resistance strength training and progressive overload principles. The delivery of the specific exercises will be based on a pragmatic, participation based focus and will incorporate the individuals development stage, age, interests and enjoyment.
Locations (1)
Royal Children's Hospital
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia