Integrative Neuromuscular Training in Adolescents and Children Treated for Cancer

"Integrative neuromuscular training (INT), contains a multifaceted range of developmentally appropriate activities that incorporate general and specific strength and conditioning elements such as strength, power, motor skill training, dynamic stability, core-focused strength, plyometric and agility. INT can be camouflaged as games and play or performed as structured strength and conditioning program, depending on the participant's age, motor skill level and diagnosis. The intervention is designed to enhance health- and skill-related components of physical fitness.~Parents or guardians will receive education in conducting INT at home, alongside an exercise-kit consisting of training equipment corresponding to the child's age and fitness level (fitness ropes, medicine ball, dumbbells).~The INT group will receive usual standardized hospital care, including physiotherapy if needed."

"The active control group is offered a home-based training program consisting of combined aerobic, strength and stretching exercises. Further, they will receive monthly motivational consultations, as described below, concerning the training program. The use of the home-based training program will be monitored through exercise journals.~The INT group will receive usual standardized hospital care, including physiotherapy if needed."

"Each child and their parents will participate in a monthly 30-minute motivational counseling session to adjust the intervention and training program according to the child's physical capacity and preferences. Further, the session will determine potential barriers towards performing physical exercise using the Self-efficacy for Exercise Scale.~The sessions are based on the principles in Self-Determination Theory that includes a spectrum of external and internal motivation factors for engaging in exercise. Each session will provide guidelines to increase the general activity levels and adjust the intervention according to the child's preferences and presence of symptoms."