Exercise program for children and adolescents after cancer treatment

Effects of a Physical Activity Program on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children and Adolescents FolloWing Acute CancER Treatment: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Universität Duisburg-Essen · NCT04765020

This study is testing if a 12-week exercise program can help children and teens feel stronger and healthier after finishing cancer treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages7 Years to 23 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversität Duisburg-Essen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Krefeld)
Trial IDNCT04765020 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The POWER study is a two-arm exercise intervention designed for pediatric patients who have recently completed acute cancer treatment. It aims to assess the impact of a 12-week moderate to high-intensity exercise program on cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents, starting six weeks post-treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which receives supervised exercise sessions and personalized activity targets, or a control group that receives general exercise recommendations. The study will also evaluate additional performance markers and patient-reported outcomes related to quality of life and health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 7 to 23 who have completed acute cancer treatment and are receiving follow-up care.

Not a fit: Patients under 7 or over 23 years of age, or those with medical conditions that limit their ability to participate, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness and overall health outcomes for children and adolescents recovering from cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in pediatric oncology, suggesting this approach is promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children and adolescents between 7 and 23 years of age
* Completion of acute cancer treatment and receiving follow-up care in Krefeld (Helios Hospital Krefeld)
* 6 weeks post cancer-treatment
* Signed informed consent (Parents and Patient)

Exclusion Criteria:

* \<7 years of age, \>23 years of age
* Medical condition that limits participation in one of the study arms
* Inability to follow the training-protocol
* Inability to carry out the spiroergometry on a cycle ergometer

Where this trial is running

Krefeld

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 All Types of Pediatric Cancerexercisecardiorespiratory fitnesspediatric oncologychild healthphysical activityimmune function
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.