This prospective randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of a home-based exercise program on physical functions, inflammatory markers, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in children followed after Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) treatments. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), dorsiflexion and knee extensor muscle strength, hand grip strength, aerobic endurance, and functional mobility were assessed using a goniometer, digital dynamometer; hand dynamometer, 6 Minute Walk Test (6 MWT), Timed Up and Go Test respectively. Interleukin-1 Beta, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and BDNF values were examined using ELISA kits. 20 patients will be included in the study. The patients randomly divided into 2 groups: exercise (n:10) and control (n:10). The exercise group performed a home-based exercise program consisting of aerobics 3 days a week and strengthening and stretching exercises 2 days a week, with videos and infographics, for 8 weeks. The control group was advised to increase physical activity.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
The exercise group performed a home-based exercise program consisting of aerobics 3 days a week with videos and strengthening and stretching exercises 2 days a week with infographics, for 8 weeks.
The control group was advised to increase physical activity
Gazi University Hospital
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Difference between baseline and final active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion
Active ankle dorsiflexion ROM was evaluated with a Baseline® (Aurora, IL, USA) brand goniometer in a supine position, with the knee supported by a pillow and the knee flexed and recorded in degrees
Time frame: 8 weeks
Difference between baseline and final muscle strength
Knee extensor and ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength were assessed using a digital handheld dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument Company, Lafayette, Indiana). The "break" technique was used to measure muscle strength.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Difference between baseline and final handgrip strength
Handgrip strength was evaluated using a hand dynamometer (J-Tech Commander Grip Track Dynamometer, JTECH Medical, Midvale, UT, US).The patient was positioned in a sitting position with the shoulder adducted and neutrally rotated, the elbow at 90° flexion, and the forearm and wrist in neutral. The patient was asked to squeeze the device as hard as he could for 5 seconds, and during the measurement, the child was given verbal encouragement such as "squeeze as hard as you can." Measurements were repeated 3 times and the average value was recorded in Newtons.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Difference between baseline and final aerobic endurance
Aerobic endurance was evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). 6MWT was performed by the American Thoracic Society guidelines. During the test, the patient was asked to walk in the corridor as fast as he could without running, jumping, or jumping within the determined limits for 6 minutes. Total walking distance was recorded in meters
Time frame: 8 weeks
Difference between baseline and final functional mobility
Functional mobility was assessed with the Timed Up and Go Test. While the patient was in a sitting position on an armless chair, he was asked to get up on command, walk 3 meters, return, and sit on the chair again. The elapsed time was recorded in seconds.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Difference between baseline and final serum inflammatory markers and brain derived neurotrophic factor levels
Serum samples required to examine levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-a, and IL-1b) and BDNF were obtained during blood collection at the patients' routine hospital visits.Data about serum IL-6 and TNF-a were recorded from the hospital information system. Serum IL-1b and BDNF levels were analyzed using ELISA kits provided by the researchers.
Time frame: 8 weeks
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