Telerehabilitation-Based Dance Therapy in Pediatric Cancer
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age6-14
SponsorAkdeniz University
About this trial
Childhood cancer requires prolonged and intensive treatment, resulting in significant biopsychosocial challenges for affected children and their families. During and following treatment, children frequently experience impairments in fine and gross motor skills, reduced physical capacity, emotional difficulties, and decreased participation in daily activities. Within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY), these impairments in body structure and function may negatively influence activity, participation, and overall quality of life.
Dance therapy is a holistic rehabilitation approach that integrates rhythm, structured movement, and emotional expression to enhance motor performance, body awareness, and psychosocial well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that dance-based interventions may contribute to improved pain management, psychological resilience, and emotional health in pediatric oncology populations. However, access to structured physical activity programs remains limited due to treatment-related fatigue, infection risk, travel burden, time constraints, and financial costs.
Telerehabilitation may overcome these barriers by delivering therapy remotely, thereby improving accessibility, reducing logistical constraints, and ensuring continuity of care.
The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effects of an 8-week telerehabilitation-based dance therapy program (twice weekly, 35-40 minutes per session) on fine and gross motor skills, health-related quality of life, participation in home, school, and community settings, and motivation in children undergoing or recently completing cancer treatment.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Children aged 6-14 years diagnosed with a hematological malignancy or solid tumor by a pediatric oncology specialist.
Currently undergoing treatment or within 6 months after completion of treatment (for hematological malignancies: during maintenance therapy or ≤6 months post-treatment; for solid tumors: during treatment or ≤6 months post-treatment).
Medically stable and cleared by the treating clinical team to participate in moderate physical activity/dance therapy.
Able to stand independently and perform movements without assistive devices.
Disqualifiers
Pre-existing genetic, neurological, developmental, or motor disorders diagnosed prior to cancer diagnosis that may affect motor performance.
Medical contraindications to exercise (e.g., unresolved fractures, severe avascular necrosis, recent bone marrow transplantation, or other conditions restricting physical activity as determined by the treating physician).
Inability to maintain stable internet connectivity required for telerehabilitation sessions.
Previous structured dance therapy participation within the last 6 months.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Telerehabilitation-Based Dance Therapy Program
- Standard Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Group
Treatment groups
30 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groupsSponsors and collaborators
Akdeniz University
Lead sponsor
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov