Guided Strength Training Exercise Program and Symptom Tracking for Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Lymphoblastic Lymphoma During Chemotherapy

What this Trial Is About

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia ALL and lymphoblastic lymphoma are the most common childhood lymphoid cancers, with many children experiencing lasting side effects from treatment like fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, nerve issues, and physical difficulties. Many children with ALL are overweight at diagnosis and tend to gain more weight during treatment, leading to about half of survivors having a high body mass index. Current treatment decisions focus on symptoms and genetic risk factors, but physical activity may be a modifiable factor that improves well-being and possibly survival. This study evaluates a 9-week hybrid strength training exercise program combined with weekly symptom check-ins for children newly diagnosed with ALL or lymphoblastic lymphoma undergoing standard 3-4 drug induction chemotherapy. The exercise routine includes resistance band and bodyweight exercises performed at least three times a week, starting on Day 8 through Consolidation Day 29. Support is provided through optional Zoom or phone check-ins and group or individual supervised sessions, allowing safe exercise at home or in the hospital. Participants and their caregivers will use tools to track exercise details like sets, repetitions, intensity, and perceived exertion to monitor progress consistently. The study aims to assess the feasibility and adherence to this program in both hospital and home settings. Measurements include the proportion of children completing the intervention and the ability to capture weekly functional activity over the 9 weeks. The study duration covers the exercise period with ongoing support and symptom monitoring.

Strength Training Exercise in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (STEP-ALL)