Community-led aerobic exercise program for pediatric brain tumor survivors

Development of a Web-based Exercise Training Program for Brain Repair and Cognitive Recovery for Paediatric Brain Tumour Survivors in the Community: a Feasibility Study

Not applicable Interventional The Hospital for Sick Children · NCT05367076

This study is testing a community-led exercise program to see if it helps kids who survived brain tumors get fitter and feel better over 12 weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Hospital for Sick Children Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05367076 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study assesses the feasibility of a community-led aerobic exercise training program for pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) over 12 weeks. Participants will engage in 90-minute group exercise sessions three times a week, complemented by a web-based platform designed to support fitness trainers in delivering the program. The goal is to evaluate both the effectiveness of the exercise training and the usability of the online platform for community instructors. Participants will be grouped based on their location and availability to ensure optimal attendance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 17 years who have been diagnosed with a brain tumor and are medically stable.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that interfere with their ability to comply with study instructions or those with neurodevelopmental or neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could improve physical functioning and cognitive skills in pediatric brain tumor survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with community-led exercise programs for cancer survivors, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Between 6 years and 17 years and 11 months of age at time of enrollment
2. Diagnosed with a brain tumour
3. 1 to 15 years between diagnosis and time of study enrollment
4. Medically stable (i.e. must be in remission) as determined by a permanent SickKids staff Neuro-Oncologist
5. Either declare English as their native language or have at least two years of schooling in English at the time of their first assessment
6. Have a parent or legal guardian willing to complete the Health and Quality of Life measures
7. Informed consent (and assent, where applicable) will be obtained from the participants and/or their legal guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any condition or diagnosis, that could in the opinion of the Principal Investigator or delegate, interfere with the participant's ability to comply with study instructions, might confound the interpretation of the study results, or put the participant at risk
2. Diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental or neurological disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental delay or learning disability prior to initial brain tumour diagnosis that would preclude safe participation
3. Receiving palliative care
4. Require sedation for neuroimaging
5. Have ferrous metal implants (i.e. cochlear implant, braces, etc.)
6. Have a programmable shunt
7. Pregnant
8. Completed any prior cognitive rehabilitation intervention within three months of enrollment

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pediatric Brain TumorCognitive ImpairmentExercisePhysical functioning
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.