Impact of resistance training and yoga on muscle strength and quality of life in childhood cancer survivors
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Advancements in paediatric oncology have elevated the 5-year survival rate to approximately 85%. However, over two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) encounter long-term adverse effects post-treatment, including diminished physical fitness, reduced muscle strength, compromised sleep quality, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Notably, adult CCS face a tenfold increased risk of severe chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and secondary malignancies. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a 12-week intervention comprising resistance training and yoga on enhancing muscle strength, improving subjective quality of life, and evaluating the sustainability of these effects post-intervention. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted with 45 participants aged 18–40 who completed cancer treatment during childhood. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Yoga Group: supervised 60-minute yoga sessions twice weekly, (2) Resistance Training Group: supervised 60-minute resistance training sessions twice weekly, and (3) Combined Group: a combination of both interventions twice weekly. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and 4 weeks post-intervention to evaluate sustainability. Measurements include isokinetic dynamometry, handgrip strength tests, bioelectrical impedance analysis, the SF-36 questionnaire, and the IPAQ. We anticipate that both yoga and resistance training will significantly enhance muscle strength and quality of life among CCS. The combined intervention may yield synergistic benefits, and we expect these improvements to persist during follow-up. This study aims to identify effective physical activity interventions for CCS, informing tailored exercise recommendations to promote long-term health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases in this vulnerable population. |
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