None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to test whether a short, supervised exercise program called integrative neuromuscular training (INT) is safe, achievable, and enjoyable for children, and whether it may improve strength, movement skills, and overall physical and mental wellbeing. Who is it for? You may be eligible if you are aged 6–12 years who were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, have been in remission for at least 6 months, and are within 5 years of completing treatment. Study details All participants who are eligible will take part in an individualised, supervised integrative neuromuscular training (INT) exercise program. The program involves 16 one on one exercise sessions delivered over about 8 weeks (two sessions per week), with each session lasting around 60 minutes. Sessions include a warm-up, strength and movement skill exercises, fun circuit-based activities targeting speed, balance, and core strength, and a cool down with stretching. Exercise sessions are led by a qualified exercise professional experienced in working with children and can be delivered in person or via telehealth if needed. The program is tailored to each child and adjusted over time based on their ability and comfort level, with exercise intensity monitored throughout. Participants will complete physical assessments to measure muscle strength, physical function, body composition, as well as questionnaires about physical activity and wellbeing. It is hoped that the results from this study will help develop safe and effective exercise programs that support long term health, physical function, and quality of life for children who have survived leukaemia.
Interventions
Participants will undertake a supervised integrative neuromuscular training (INT) program, designed to improve movement competence, muscular strength, and physical function in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
The intervention consists of structured exercise sessions incorporating fundamental movement skills, resistance training, and circuit-based activities. Each session includes:
(i) a warm-up;
(ii) resistance training and movement skill development (e.g., squats, lunges, sh
Participants will undertake a supervised integrative neuromuscular training (INT) program, designed to improve movement competence, muscular strength, and physical function in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The intervention consists of structured exercise sessions incorporating fundamental movement skills, resistance training, and circuit-based activities. Each session includes: (i) a warm-up; (ii) resistance training and movement skill development (e.g., squats, lunges, shoulder press); (iii) circuit-based activities targeting speed, power, and core strength (e.g., sprint runs, hopping, throwing, loaded carries, and bodyweight exercises); and (iv) a cool-down including stretching. The program will be delivered by a qualified exercise professional (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, CSCS) with experience in paediatric exercise prescription. Sessions will be conducted one-on-one, primarily face-to-face, with telehealth delivery available when in-person attendance is not feasible. Participants will complete 16 sessions over approximately 8 weeks (2 sessions per week). Each session will last ~60 minutes. Where sessions are missed, they will be rescheduled, and the total intervention duration may extend beyond 8 weeks to ensure completion of all prescribed sessions. The intervention will take place at the Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University (Joondalup, Western Australia), or remotely via telehealth when required. The program is individualised and progressively adapted based on each participant’s technical competency and tolerance to exercise. Progression will involve increasing exercise volume (e.g., from 2 sets of 10 repetitions to 2–4 sets of 10–15 repetitions) and/or duration of circuit activities. Exercise intensity will be monitored using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, with target intensity corresponding to moderate-to-vigorous effort. Adherence and fidelity will be monitored by the intervention provider through attendance logs and session records. All sessions (including telehealth and rescheduled sessions) will be documented. Exercise delivery will follow a standardised program structure, with flexibility to modify task presentation to maintain participant engagement where required.
Sponsors
Anna Maria Markarian (Edith Cowan University)
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
6 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Children aged 6–12 years diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) who are: In remission for at least 6 months Within 5 years post-treatment completion
Exclusion criteria
Any contraindication to exercise identified using the Pre-Exercise Screening System for Young People (PSS-PARENT)
Outcome results
None listed