Impact of exercise on quality of life in children with leukemia receiving chemotherapy

Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Receiving Maintenance Chemotherapy

Not applicable Interventional Connecticut Children's Medical Center · NCT03132948

This study tests if regular exercise can improve the mood and overall quality of life for children aged 8-18 with leukemia who are receiving chemotherapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorConnecticut Children's Medical Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Hartford, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT03132948 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how physical activity influences the quality of life in pediatric patients aged 8-18 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are undergoing maintenance chemotherapy. It aims to assess the relationship between exercise, mood, energy levels, and psychological well-being, as well as to explore potential biomarkers related to sleep quality. The study addresses a significant gap in research regarding the effects of exercise on children with cancer, an area that has been more extensively studied in adults. Participants will engage in moderate physical activity, and their responses will be measured through surveys and blood samples.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 8-18 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia currently in the maintenance phase of chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or are outside the age range of 8-18 years will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the quality of life for children with leukemia by promoting physical activity as a beneficial intervention during treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While there is substantial research on exercise benefits in adult cancer patients, this specific approach in pediatric oncology is relatively novel and underexplored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pediatric oncology patients with ALL in the maintenance phase of chemotherapy during the time of study
* Ages 8-18 years of either gender (age limits due to reliability and validity of outcome assessment surveys)
* Have no documented or observable psychiatric or neurological disorders that would interfere with study participation
* Capable of speaking and reading English
* Having no contraindications to participate in moderate physical exercise as determined by the research staff and the patient's pediatric oncologist
* Currently living with their parents/legal guardians
* Consent obtained from legal guardians and assent obtained from patients to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not a pediatric oncology patient with ALL in maintenance
* Not receiving chemotherapy during the time of study
* Age less than 8 years or greater than 18 years
* Not English-speaking Since not all outcome measures have been validated in Spanish and other languages, only English-speaking patients will be included.

Where this trial is running

Hartford, Connecticut

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 Quality of LifeALL Cancer PatientsFitness
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.