Abstract
Background: Pediatric cancer survivors often face long-term health challenges such as muscle weakness and obesity [1, 2, 3]. Physical activity is essential for lessening these effects, and technological interventions have been suggested to promote physical activity among pediatric cancer survivors [3, 4].
Purpose: This systematic review aimed to evaluate technological interventions' impact on pediatric cancer survivors' PA levels.
Methods: The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines [5] and included studies published until May 2024 from various databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools were used to assess study quality. The study was registered in PROSPERO under registration number CRD42024564857.
Results: A total of nine studies were included in the review: four were randomized controlled trials (RCT), three were feasibility studies, and two were pilot studies. These studies, involving a total of 417 pediatric cancer survivors, utilized a wide range of technological interventions. Based on JBI quality appraisal tools [6], six of the studies were of good quality, while three were of fair quality. Specifically, three studies utilized mobile applications, two employed web-based platforms, two used m-health solutions, one incorporated a video game, and one utilized a telehealth application. The results revealed that two-thirds of the mobile applications were ineffective in enhancing physical activity. In contrast, one of the m-health applications proved to be effective. Additionally, web-based platforms, telehealth applications, and video games demonstrated effectiveness in increasing physical activity.
Conclusion: Technological interventions show promise for improving physical activity among pediatric cancer survivors, with six studies demonstrating significant benefits. More research is needed to identify effective strategies and optimize intervention designs, focusing on long-term outcomes.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: This systematic review assesses technology-based interventions aimed at promoting physical activity in pediatric cancer survivors. The findings emphasize the potential and variability of digital tools, underscoring the necessity for additional research to refine intervention strategies and facilitate long-term physical activity among this group.
Notes
References:
1. Gao, Z., et al., Effects of personalized exercise prescriptions and social media delivered through mobile health on cancer survivors’ physical activity and quality of life. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 2023. 12(6): p. 705-714.
2. Fuemmeler, B.F., et al., Mila Blooms: A Mobile Phone Application and Behavioral Intervention for Promoting Physical Activity and a Healthy Diet Among Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Cancer. Games Health J, 2020. 9(4): p. 279-289.
3. Cheung, A.T., et al., Physical activity for pediatric cancer survivors: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 2021: p. 1-14.
4. Cheung, A.T., et al., Efficacy of Mobile Instant Messaging-Delivered Brief Motivational Interviewing for Parents to Promote Physical Activity in Pediatric Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open, 2022. 5(6): p. e2214600.
5. Page, M.J., et al., The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 2021. 372.
6. Barker, T.H., et al., The revised JBI critical appraisal tool for the assessment of risk of bias for quasi-experimental studies. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 2024. 22(3): p. 378-388.
Sigma Membership
Epsilon Omega
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Systematic Review
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Pediatric Cancer Survivors, Physical Activity Level, Technological Intervention
Recommended Citation
Akca Sumengen, Aylin; Hanzade Savas, Eysan; Ay, Ayse; Ercan Koyuncu, Ilcim; Erkul, Munevver; and Semerci, Remziye, "Impact of Technology on Physical Activity Levels of Pediatric Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 68.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/68
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Impact of Technology on Physical Activity Levels of Pediatric Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review
Seattle, Washington, USA
Background: Pediatric cancer survivors often face long-term health challenges such as muscle weakness and obesity [1, 2, 3]. Physical activity is essential for lessening these effects, and technological interventions have been suggested to promote physical activity among pediatric cancer survivors [3, 4].
Purpose: This systematic review aimed to evaluate technological interventions' impact on pediatric cancer survivors' PA levels.
Methods: The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines [5] and included studies published until May 2024 from various databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools were used to assess study quality. The study was registered in PROSPERO under registration number CRD42024564857.
Results: A total of nine studies were included in the review: four were randomized controlled trials (RCT), three were feasibility studies, and two were pilot studies. These studies, involving a total of 417 pediatric cancer survivors, utilized a wide range of technological interventions. Based on JBI quality appraisal tools [6], six of the studies were of good quality, while three were of fair quality. Specifically, three studies utilized mobile applications, two employed web-based platforms, two used m-health solutions, one incorporated a video game, and one utilized a telehealth application. The results revealed that two-thirds of the mobile applications were ineffective in enhancing physical activity. In contrast, one of the m-health applications proved to be effective. Additionally, web-based platforms, telehealth applications, and video games demonstrated effectiveness in increasing physical activity.
Conclusion: Technological interventions show promise for improving physical activity among pediatric cancer survivors, with six studies demonstrating significant benefits. More research is needed to identify effective strategies and optimize intervention designs, focusing on long-term outcomes.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: This systematic review assesses technology-based interventions aimed at promoting physical activity in pediatric cancer survivors. The findings emphasize the potential and variability of digital tools, underscoring the necessity for additional research to refine intervention strategies and facilitate long-term physical activity among this group.
Description
This systematic review evaluated technological interventions' impact on pediatric cancer survivors' physical activity levels. Nine studies were included, utilizing various technological interventions such as mobile applications, web-based platforms, and m-health solutions. Results showed promise in improving physical activity, with the need for further research to optimize intervention designs and focus on long-term outcomes.