Evaluation of physical fitness of children with lymphoblastic leukemia after completion of intensive treatment
Duczmal-Szewczuk, B.; Frynas, K.; Rachocka, J.
Pediatria Polska 60(1): 39-44
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-3939 PMID: 3862058 Document Number: 247768
The purpose of this study was assessment of the fitness of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after completion of combined chemotherapy lasting 2.5-3 years with irradiation of the brain by the VI or VII Memphis schedule. Ergometric tests were carried out 1 month and 2,3 and 4 years after completion of therapy. In the evaluation of fitness the following parameters of the effort tolerance test were considered: duration of work, final workload, workload (body weight index, workload) body area index, maximal oxygen uptake and maximal oxygen uptake/kg of body weight. The investigations demonstrated a reduced fitness immediately after termination of intensive therapy, as well as in the successive years of follow-up. This fitness remained, however, in a wide physiological normal range. Data collected by means of history taking from the parents about the restricted locomotor activity of these children may suggest the cause of absence of a significant improvement of fitness during 4 years of follow up. It seems justified to recommend gradual return to normal locomotor activity after completion of intensive therapy, with periodic effort tolerance tests performed for control.