Physical Activity Levels, Exercise Preferences, and Exercise Barriers in Children and Adolescents after Cancer Treatment

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to explore physical activity (PA) and exercise participation, exercise preferences, and barriers to PA in childhood cancer survivors.Methods: We surveyed 120 childhood cancer survivors in childhood and adolescence from the pediatric oncology center in South Korea between March and August 2017. The modified Exercise & Quality of Life questionnaire, Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, and Godin Leisure-Time Questionnaire were used to assess PA levels, preferences, and exercise barriers.Results: Among 120 participants (72 boys, 48 girls) whose average age at the time of the survey was 14.57 ± 3 years and average age at diagnosis was 8.22 years, only 6.9% of male participants and 2.1% of female participants met the PA recommendations for children (at least 60 min of moderate PA per day). The most preferred sporting activities included soccer, basketball, strengthening exercises, badminton, dance, and taekwondo. They generally had positive attitudes toward exercise, and more than 63% of participants intended to exercise the following month. The four most prevalent perceived barriers to exercise were lack of time, poor health, reluctance to sweat, and lack of exercise skills. Conclusions: While most childhood cancer survivors did not meet the PA recommendation, most of them agreed that exercise was beneficial, and they intended to participate in exercise. Exercise and PA programs should be tailored to the personal health and preferences of childhood cancer survivors to increase PA and exercise participation in this group.