Personalized goal-based rehabilitation during pediatric stem cell transplant

Using Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) to Increase Active Involvement of Patients and Their Family in the Identification of Functional Objectives During Hospitalization for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT): a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedale Infantile Regina Margherita Sant'Anna · NCT07372690

This will try a personalized Goal Attainment Scale to help children and teens (6 months–17 years) keep or improve physical abilities during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment176 (estimated)
Ages6 Months to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorAzienda Ospedaliera Ospedale Infantile Regina Margherita Sant'Anna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Torino, TO)
Trial IDNCT07372690 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

In this single-center randomized controlled trial, children and adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are assigned to a Goal Attainment Scale (GAS)–guided rehabilitation program or a control intervention. The experimental group receives individualized goal-setting with GAS plus an exercise and rehabilitation program, while the control group receives standard rehabilitation counselling and exercise as per usual care. Outcomes include GAS-defined goal achievement, parent and adolescent perceptions of functional change from admission through follow-up, feasibility measures, and objective motor-performance metrics. The study is conducted at a pediatric transplant center in Torino, Italy and enrolls patients aged 6 months to 17 years 11 months with oncologic or hematologic indications for HSCT.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children and adolescents aged 6 months to 17 years 11 months undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for oncologic or hematologic conditions who are not already receiving specific rehabilitation and whose guardians provide consent.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot comply with study visits or procedures, those already receiving targeted rehabilitation at enrollment, or those with medical complications that prevent participation in exercise may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, GAS-guided rehabilitation could help preserve or improve motor function and quality of life for children undergoing HSCT.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research and meta-analyses show exercise and rehabilitation are safe and can prevent decline in physical performance and quality of life in pediatric HSCT, but use of GAS for goal-directed rehab in this population is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age between 6 months - 17 years and 11 months
* diagnosis of oncological or hematological disease undergoing HSCT
* No specific rehabilitation treatment ongoing at the moment of recruitment
* Written informed consent from patient or parents/legal representative, and age-appropriate assent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients that are not able and willing to comply with study visits and procedures.

Where this trial is running

Torino, TO

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 OncologyHematologyadolescentschildrenhematopoietic stem cell transplantationphysical therapymotor performancefatigue
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.