• Afnan Essam Masoud, ShaheenAfaf Ahmed MohamedAAM0000-0002-9265-0806Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Basic Science Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt., Maha Fahad Algabbani, Enas AlEisa, and Amani AlKofide.
• Pediatrics' Physical Therapy Department, Aziziyyah Children's Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Ann. Med. 2023 Dec 1; 55 (1): 22240482224048.

BackgroundLittle is known about the effectiveness of the newly emerging technology of exergaming in reducing Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF).ObjectivesThe study's primary aim was to examine the effectiveness of exergaming in reducing CRF; the secondary aims were to improve functional capacity/endurance and promote physical activity (PA) among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).MethodsIn this Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), 45 children aged 6-14 years were randomly assigned into group-I, n = 22, and group II, n = 23. Group-I played exergaming of moderate intensity for 60 min, twice a week for three weeks. Group II was given an instructional session regarding the benefits of PA with advice to practice PA for 60 min twice a week. CRF, functional capacity/endurance, and PA were measured using the pediatric quality of life multidimensional fatigue scale (Ped-QLMFS), six-minute walk test (6-MWT), and Godin-Shepard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (QSLTPAQ) respectively. All measurements were taken thrice; in the first, third, and fifth weeks of intervention.ResultsGroup-I demonstrated a significant reduction of CRF, and a significant increase of functional capacity/endurance compared to group-II over the five weeks study period. The effect of time × intervention interaction was significant. Based on Cohen's guidelines, CRF and functional capacity/endurance had large effect sizes (η2 = 0.41, p = .00) and (η2 = 0.27, p = .00) respectively.ConclusionThe protocol of exergaming used in this RCT effectively reduces CRF and promotes functional capacity/endurance and PA in children with ALL undergoing chemotherapy. It may provide an alternative treatment modality to decrease the healthcare load.Key messagesCancer-related fatigue (CRF) is described as physical exhaustion, sleep disturbance, emotional distress, and cognitive dysfunction.Exergaming reduces CRF and promotes functional capacity/endurance and physical activity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing chemotherapy.Exergaming may provide an alternative treatment modality to decrease the healthcare load.

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