Effect of physical therapy on foot and ankle function in young cancer survivors

Impact of Physical Therapy Intervention on Foot and Ankle Function in Children and Adolescents With Non-CNS Cancers

Observational Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota · NCT04930406

This study tests whether physical therapy can help improve foot and ankle function in young cancer survivors who have had issues with flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance after treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages7 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT04930406 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research investigates how physical therapy interventions can improve foot and ankle function in children and adolescents who have survived cancer, specifically those not affected by brain or spinal cord tumors. The study focuses on young patients who have experienced decreased flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance due to cancer treatments, particularly those involving neurotoxic chemotherapy agents. By comparing outcomes between those who received physical therapy and a historical control group, the study aims to assess the long-term benefits of rehabilitation on physical activity levels and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 7-30 who have completed cancer treatment more than 5 years ago and have received specific chemotherapy agents.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing neurological impairments or developmental disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the physical rehabilitation strategies for young cancer survivors, leading to improved mobility and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in physical therapy for cancer survivors, this specific approach focusing on foot and ankle function in this demographic is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Historical control group

  * Children and adolescents age 7-30
  * English speaking family
  * Diagnosed with a non-CNS cancer diagnosis with chemotherapy regimen including vincristine, carboplatin, or cisplatin
  * Completed cancer treatment greater than 5 years ago
  * Received less than 2 intervention visits of outpatient physical therapy during cancer treatment

    -• Intervention group
  * Children and adolescents age 7-30
  * English speaking family
  * Completed cancer treatment greater than 5 years ago
  * Greater than 10 physical therapy visits at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of MN
  * Received PT evaluation within 6 months of starting cancer treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Neurological impairments prior to cancer diagnosis

  * Developmental disorders (Downs syndrome, chromosomal disorders)
  * Non-English speaking parent/child
  * Lower extremity or pelvic surgery

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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 NeoplasmsPhysical Therapy ModalitiesSurvivorship
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.