The effect of aerobic training on anthropocentric parameters and psychological status of children with cancer

Introduction: There are many evidences that show patients with cancer have significant impairments in cardiovascular fitness. Systematic physical exercise is known as a basis for primary and secondary prevention in several clinical situations.However its effects as rehabilitation factor in patients with cancer is unclear. We examined the effect of 3 months aerobic training on weight, subcutaneous fat in hand, foot and trunk, and body mass index and psychological status of children with cancer. Methodology: 33 children with cancer voluntarily participated in research. (girls= 15 n, boys= 18 n, mean age=10.1 , mean weight=31.5). Physical activity questionnaire and consent letter completed by parents. 17 children assigned to aerobic group and 16 children assigned to control group. Experimental group exercised for 3 months and 2 sessions in week and each session was one hour. Before and after of training protocol, weight and body mass index was measured with INBODYinstrument andSubcutaneous fat of hand, foot and trunk was measured with caliper by skilled person. The psychological status were assessed with Interview from parents. Result: Data analysis by spss and paired-t test showed that experimental group experienced significant improvement in body weight, body mass and subcutaneous fat in hand, foot and trunk indexes (P .05). however because of treatment problems in control group, they were unable to participate in post test. So there was not possibility of comparing experimental group with control group. Discussion: in children with cancer that hope to life is greatly reduced because of physical problems and type of disease, participating in regular exercise can provide physical and psychological preparation to fight disease.