Cognitively engaging exercise to boost thinking skills in children and teens with cancer
Official title: An Investigator Initiated, Non-randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Cognitively Challenging Physical Activity on Executive Functions in Paediatric Cancer Patients
Run by University of Bern · NCT06839794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether mentally challenging physical activity can improve thinking skills and self-control (executive functions) in children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06839794 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children and adolescents aged 6 to 17.99 years with any cancer diagnosis requiring at least six weeks of chemo/radiotherapy or CNS surgery who can provide consent and participate in exercise are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with cognitive or physical disabilities that prevent participation, those unable to follow study procedures (for example because of language barriers), or those who are medically unstable may not benefit from the intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or CNS surgery will take part in a program of physically active exercises that are designed to also challenge attention, memory, and planning. Participants will follow a regimen of cognitively challenging physical activity and receive standard physical activity recommendations while researchers measure changes in executive function using cognitive tests. The intervention is delivered at the University of Bern clinical sites and requires in-person participation for supervised sessions and assessments. Outcomes will compare cognitive performance and related functional measures before and after the intervention period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve executive function, speed rehabilitation, and enhance quality of life for young cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows physical activity improves fitness, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life in pediatric oncology, but using specifically cognitively challenging exercise to target executive functions in this population is relatively novel with limited direct evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent of parents / legal guardian and participants, where applicable * Diagnosis of any type of cancer requiring chemo- and/or radiotherapy, or CNS surgery, expected to last a minimum of at least 6 weeks at the time of recruitment * Age: 6-17.99 years at time of recruitment Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive and physical disabilities that prevent participation in the intervention. * Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems. * Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons. * Denied written informed consent from participants.
Where it's running
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Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern
Bern, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eva Brack — University Children's Hospital Bern
- Study coordinator: Valentin Benzing, Dr.
- Email: valentin.benzing@unibe.ch
- Phone: + 41316844548
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.