Comparing Interventions for Improving Quality of Life in Pediatric Cancer Patients

Authors

Erica Habas, Valparaiso UniversityFollow
Rachel Kujawa, Valparaiso UniversityFollow
Veronica Lin, Valparaiso UniversityFollow
Ally Thaxton, Valparaiso UniversityFollow
Sara Story, Valparaiso UniversityFollow

Level of Education of Students Involved

Graduate

Faculty Sponsor

Sara Story

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Discipline(s)

Occupational Therapy

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-24-2025

Abstract

Background: Children with cancer face significant challenges impacting their quality of life (QoL). Two common interventions amongst this population are play-based interventions and exercise-based interventions. Although they are independently studied, there are currently limited studies on the comparison of these interventions related to QoL. This modified systematic review aimed to answer the question: for children with cancer, how do play-based interventions compare to exercise-based therapy interventions in improving quality of life?

Methods: Four independent researchers conducted a comprehensive search across major databases (CINAHL, EBSCO, MEDLINE, and PUBMED) to identify studies published within the last ten years. Inclusion criteria of the study were articles involving children diagnosed with cancer who received either a play-based intervention or an exercise-based therapy and the study was conducted in the last 10 years. Studies were excluded if they were systematic reviews, meta-analyses, dissertations, or presentations or if interventions were unrelated to QoL or focused solely on cancer survivors. Data extraction focused on intervention type, participant demographics, and QoL outcomes.

Results: The review included 20 studies comparing play-based and exercise-based interventions. Preliminary findings suggest that play-based interventions demonstrated stronger improvements in emotional well-being and social engagement, while exercise-based therapies yielded better physical functioning outcomes and reduced fatigue. Both intervention types showed positive effects on overall QoL, albeit through distinct mechanisms.

Conclusion: Combining these approaches may provide a comprehensive strategy for enhancing QoL in pediatric cancer patients. Further research is recommended to explore optimal intervention combinations and long-term effects.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

The four student authors are first-year occupational therapy doctoral students at Valparaiso University.

Recommended Citation

Habas, Erica; Kujawa, Rachel; Lin, Veronica; Thaxton, Ally; and Story, Sara, "Comparing Interventions for Improving Quality of Life in Pediatric Cancer Patients" (2025). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1454.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1454