Frequency, Features, and Recommendations for Preventing Adverse Events in Supervised Exercise Programs for Pediatric Oncology Patients - Report - MDSpire

Frequency, Features, and Recommendations for Preventing Adverse Events in Supervised Exercise Programs for Pediatric Oncology Patients

  • By

  • Gauß, Gabriele

  • Rueegg, Corina Silvia

  • Schindera, Christina

  • Meisegeier, Stefan

  • Stalf, Hannah

  • Sundermeier, Thorben

  • Maiwald, Michael

  • Dietrich, Melisa

  • Reus, Annika

  • Tomaskovic, Aleksandar

  • Götte, Miriam

  • March 31, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Adverse Events in Supervised Exercise for Pediatric Oncology

Overview

This study assessed adverse events (AEs) during supervised exercise sessions in pediatric oncology, documenting a low incidence of AEs with a majority being exercise-related. Recommendations for reducing AEs were developed based on the findings.

Background

Supervised exercise programs in pediatric oncology are essential for improving physical and psychological outcomes in young patients. However, the lack of systematic assessment of adverse events limits the safe implementation of these programs. Understanding the frequency and nature of AEs is crucial for optimizing exercise safety in this vulnerable population.

Data Highlights

Adverse Event GradeFrequencyPercentage
Grade 113375%
Grade 24123%
Grade 342%

Key Findings

  • A total of 178 AEs were documented across 74,083 supervised exercise sessions.
  • The incidence of AEs was 1 per 416 sessions, equating to 204 AEs per 100,000 exercise sessions.
  • 85% of AEs were judged as exercise-related, with the most common types being pain (53%), nausea/vomiting (20%), and circulatory problems (17%).
  • AEs were primarily triggered by physical exertion (63%), medical treatments (44%), and falls (23%).
  • No life-threatening AEs were observed during the study.
  • 11 recommendations for reducing AEs were developed through a multidisciplinary consensus process.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the low incidence of AEs in supervised exercise programs for pediatric oncology patients. Implementing the developed recommendations can enhance safety and optimize the benefits of exercise interventions.

Conclusion

The study indicates that supervised exercise sessions in pediatric oncology have a low incidence of generally low-grade AEs, emphasizing the need for further research to refine prevention strategies.

References

  1. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2009 -- Does a simple exercise regimen enhance physical capabilities and life quality in individuals undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation?
  2. The ASCO Post, 2019 -- Exercise for Patients With Cancer to Minimize Treatment Cardiotoxicity
  3. The ASCO Post, 2023 -- Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer May Gain Multiple Benefits From Exercise as Part of Palliative Care Related Articles
  4. international Pediatric Oncology Exercise Guidelines (iPOEG) | Translational Behavioral Medicine, 2023
  5. Effects of exercise interventions on physical recovery in paediatric cancer patients and survivors: a meta-analysis | BMC Pediatrics, 2025
  6. The ASCO Post — Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer May Gain Multiple Benefits From Exercise as Part of Palliative Care Related Articles
  7. international Pediatric Oncology Exercise Guidelines (iPOEG) | Translational Behavioral Medicine | Oxford Academic
  8. Effects of exercise interventions on physical recovery in paediatric cancer patients and survivors: a meta-analysis | BMC Pediatrics | Springer Nature Link
  9. Get strong to fight childhood cancer - an exercise intervention for children and adolescents undergoing anti-cancer treatment (FORTEe): Rationale and design of a randomized controlled exercise trial | BMC Cancer | Springer Nature Link

Original Source(s)

Related Content