Skeletal, neuromuscular and fitness impairments among children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Abstract
This study describes skeletal, neuromuscular and fitness impairments among 109 children (median age 10 [range 4-18] years, 65.1% male, 63.3% white) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Outcomes were measured 7-10 days after diagnosis and compared to age- and sex-specific expected values. Associations between function and health-related quality of life (HRQL) were evaluated with logistic regression. Children with ALL had sub-optimal bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score/height (mean ± standard error: - 0.53 ± 0.16 vs. 0.00 ± 0.14, p < 0.01), body mass index percentile (57.6 ± 3.15 vs. 50.0 ± 3.27%, p = 0.02), quadriceps strength (201.9 ± 8.3 vs. 236.1 ± 5.4 N, p < 0.01), 6 min walk distance (385.0 ± 13.1 vs. 628.2 ± 7.1 m, p < 0.001) and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency scores (23 ± 2.5 vs. 50 ± 3.4%, p < 0.01). Quadriceps weakness was associated with a 20.9-fold (95% confidence interval 2.5-173.3) increase in poor physical HRQL. Children with newly diagnosed ALL have weakness and poor endurance and may benefit from early rehabilitation that includes strengthening and aerobic conditioning.
Publication Title
Leukemia & lymphoma
Recommended Citation
Ness, Kirsten K.; Kaste, Sue C.; Zhu, Liang; Pui, Ching-Hon; Jeha, Sima; Nathan, Paul C.; Inaba, Hiroto; Wasilewski-Masker, Karen; Shah, Durga; Wells, Robert J.; Karlage, Robyn E.; Robison, Leslie L.; and Cox, Cheryl L., "Skeletal, neuromuscular and fitness impairments among children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia" (2015). Loewenberg College of Nursing Faculty Publications. 149.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/lcon-facpubs/149
