Aqua-Plyometric Exercises: Potential Implications for Bone Mineral Density, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life in Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

• Published in: Seminars in oncology nursing Vol. 37; no. 6; p. 151225
• Main Authors: Elnaggar, Ragab K., Mohamed, Rania R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.12.2021
• Subjects: Adolescent; Aquatic-based exercises; Bone Density; Bone health; Cancer survivorship; Child; Female; Hematological malignancies; Humans; Male; Physical abilities; Plyometric Exercise; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma - therapy; Prospective Studies; Psychosocial function; Quality of Life; Survivors; Bone health; Aquatic-based exercises; Hematological malignancies; Cancer survivorship; Physical abilities; Psychosocial function
• ISSN: 0749-2081; 1878-3449
• DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2021.151225

This study endeavored to explore the effect of an aquatic-based plyometric exercise program (Aqua-PLYO) on bone mineralization, functional capacity, and quality of life in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In a prospective, single-blinded quasi-experimental study, 30 survivors of childhood ALL (63.3% boys; age: 13.1 ± 2.8 years) were allocated to undergo the Aqua-PLYO exercise program (Aqua-PLYO group; n = 15) or the usual physical therapy (Control group; n = 15). Bone mineralization (bone mineral density [BMD], bone mineral content [BMC], BMD Z-score, and BMD volumetric [BMDvol]), functional capacity, and quality of life were assessed prior to, and following 36 treatment sessions, which were undertaken over nonconsecutive days in a 12-week program. With controlling for the pretreatment values, all measures of bone mineralization, functional capacity, and quality of life showed more favorable posttreatment improvement in the Aqua-PLYO group as compared to the control group (all P < .05). The Aqua-PLYO exercises, besides the usual physical therapy, can effectively improve bone health, increase functional capacity, and promote a better quality of life in long-term survivors of childhood ALL. Although survivors of childhood ALL experience reduced BMD, functional ability, and quality of life, Aqua-PLYO exercises can have positive effects on survivors’ physical and functional disturbances and can, even more, be enjoyable and increase their motivation and interest in engaging in exercise interventions.