P0517 - A pilot study of the feasibility and effectiveness of an inpatient cycling intervention in pediatric cancer patients: ‘Oncobike’

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of an inpatient cycling intervention to increase physical activity and improve quality of life in pediatric cancer patients during hospitalization.

Method: A single-arm prospective study design was implemented in four hospitals. Study duration was 15 days, or until the last day of hospitalization for shorter stays. A tricycle with an attached IV pole (‘Oncobike’) was manufactured and offered to inpatient pediatric cancer patients, aged 3-6. Parents recorded daily cycling duration. Feasibility was assessed through exercise adherence (at least 15 minutes, every two days). Secondary outcomes were child’s quality of life (PedsQL® Core, Fatigue and Cancer Modules- Turkish version), pain (Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale) and parental anxiety and depression symptoms (HADS; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).

Results: Nine children were included (mean age=4; 6 females). Mean daily cycling duration was 27 minutes (SD=15.8). Mean parent-rated motivation to cycle each day, on a ten-point rating scale (range 1-10) was 8.23 (SD=2.16). Adherence to cycling was 78%; with 33% of participants completing end-point questionnaires. Non-adherence was due to fatigue and fear. No adverse events were documented. No significant changes were observed in secondary outcomes.

Conclusion: The low post-intervention questionnaire completion was due to shorter durations of hospitalization than previously foreseen. Cycling rates dropped during periods of fatigue. Interventions should tailor to the fluctuating physical fitness of pediatric cancer patients. More data is needed to make conclusions on safety and feasibility.