Effect of adaptive variable-resistance training on chemotherapy-induced sarcopenia, fatigue, and functional restriction in pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a prospective randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the impact of an 8-week adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) intervention on chemotherapy-induced sarcopenia, fatigue, and functional restrictions in pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Results Summary
The Adaptive-VRT group showed significant improvements in muscle thickness, quadriceps strength, reduced fatigue levels, and better functional performance compared to the control group adhering to standard exercise protocols.
Population
Pediatric survivors of ALL aged 12-18 years who had completed maintenance chemotherapy.
Effective Dosage
Not specified (intervention involved Adaptive-VRT but exact dosage/frequency not detailed).
Duration
8 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) | increase | muscle thickness (thigh thickness) | pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) | P < .001; η2P = 0.32 | exhibited more favorable changes | #1 |
adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) | increase | muscle thickness (rectus femoris) | pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) | P < .001; η2P = 0.21 | exhibited more favorable changes | #2 |
adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) | increase | muscle thickness (vastus intermedius) | pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) | P = .002; η2P = 0.15 | exhibited more favorable changes | #3 |
adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) | increase | peak concentric torque of quadriceps at speed of 90°/s | pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) | P = .005; η2P = 0.13 | exhibited more favorable changes | #4 |
adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) | increase | peak concentric torque of quadriceps at speed of 120°/s | pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) | P = .021; η2P = 0.10 | exhibited more favorable changes | #5 |
adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) | increase | peak concentric torque of quadriceps at speed of 180°/s | pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) | P = .008; η2P = 0.11 | exhibited more favorable changes | #6 |
adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) | decrease | fatigue levels | pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) | P = .031; η2P = 0.08 | reported lower | #7 |
adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) | increase | functional performance (6-min walk test) | pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) | P < .001; η2P = 0.25 | demonstrated better | #8 |
adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) | increase | functional performance (4 × 10-m shuttle running test) | pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) | P < .001; η2P = 0.24 | demonstrated better | #9 |
adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) | increase | functional performance (timed up and down stairs) | pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) | P < .0006; η2P = 0.18 | demonstrated better | #10 |
PURPOSE: With the rising survival rate among children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), prioritizing patient-centered care to address the long-term effects of chemotherapy through tailored rehabilitation interventions is essential for optimizing their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of an 8-week intervention using adaptive variable-resistance training (Adaptive-VRT) on chemotherapy-induced sarcopenia, fatigue, and functional restrictions in pediatric survivors of ALL. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial included a total of 62 survivors of ALL, aged 12-18 years, and completed maintenance chemotherapy. Participants were randomized into two groups: the Adaptive-VRT group (n = 31), assigned the Adaptive-VRT intervention, and the control group (n = 31), which adhered to the standard exercise protocol. Baseline and post-intervention measurements were undertaken to analyze sarcopenia-related variables (i.e., muscle thickness and muscle strength), fatigue, and functional performance. RESULTS: The Adaptive-VRT group exhibited more favorable changes in muscle thickness [thigh thickness (P < .001; η2P = 0.32); rectus femoris (P < .001; η2P = 0.21); vastus intermedius (P = .002; η2P = 0.15)], and peak concentric torque of quadriceps [at speed of 90°/s (P = .005; η2P = 0.13), 120°/s (P = .021; η2P = 0.10), or 180°/s (P = .008; η2P = 0.11)] in comparison with the control group. Additionally, the Adaptive-VRT group reported lower fatigue levels (P = .031; η2P = 0.08) and demonstrated better functional performance [6-min walk test (P < .001; η2P = 0.25), 4 × 10-m shuttle running test (P < .001; η2P = 0.24), as well as timed up and down stairs (P < .0006; η2P = 0.18)]. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that Adaptive-VRT is a promising intervention for ameliorating chemotherapy-induced sarcopenia, fatigue, and functional limitations in pediatric ALL survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06338020.