Project 463297

Physical activity is safe and enhances well-being among children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. We co-created, with key stakeholders, a tailored, 1:1, online physical activity intervention called the 'IMPACT' program (IMplementation of Physical Activity for Children and adolescents on Treatment) to enhance physical activity and well-being. Our proposed project will assess the effect of the intervention, and will explore aspects of implementation. Children and adolescents aged 5-18 years, with any cancer diagnosis, currently receiving, scheduled to receive treatment, or completed treatment <3 months in Alberta, are eligible to participate. Participants will be offered online physical activity sessions delivered by a qualified exercise professional with pediatric cancer specific training, 3 times/week for 15-45 minutes/session, for 12 weeks. Measures of physical activity behaviour, physical fitness, psychosocial well-being, cognitive functioning, medical symptoms, and resource use will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups to assess the effect of the intervention. To explore implementation, we will collect data on referrals, attendance to the physical activity sessions, and negative events related to the intervention. We will also monitor the delivery of physical activity sessions throughout to assess fidelity. Interviews will be conducted with participants, their parents, healthcare providers, and qualified exercise professionals to explore satisfaction and gather feedback for improvement. Results from this project will be among the first examining effectiveness and implementation of an online physical activity intervention for young people diagnosed with cancer - and will be used scale the intervention across Canada. Online physical activity delivery may promote physical activity within the complex, highly variable pediatric cancer treatment timeline, ultimately enhancing health and well-being.