Supervisor:
Program of Study:
Masters, Health and Human Performance
Project Title:
The Feasibility and Functional Outcomes of a Preoperative Virtual Home-Based Exercise Program for Pediatric and
Adolescent Oncology Patients
Lay Research Summary:
Advancements in the field of pediatric oncology have been delayed due to a lack of established physical
activity guidelines. Little research has been done following the diagnosis stage of a cancer trajectory. This
provides a research opportunity in preoperative and early rehabilitative exercise interventions for
pediatric, adolescent and young adults who are scheduled to undergo chemotherapy or surgical treatment
plans. Based on the current literature, I believe implementing a virtual at-home exercise program that
measures balance, functional mobility, and strength could help improve each participants physical health
(both short and long-term). Due to the short duration between diagnosis and surgical interventions,
maintaining strength, balance, and mobility will help prepare each participant for the physical and mental
challenges that they are about to face. Research will help determine the feasibility of a virtual at-home
exercise program across this population as a preoperative/early rehabilitative tool in pediatric oncology
research across the Atlantic Coast.
Location:
Dalhousie University