Measurements and Digital Technology Solutions to Monitor Physical Activity in Patients With Pediatric Cancer: Scoping Review

TL;DR

This review explores how physical activity is monitored in children with cancer using traditional and digital tools, highlighting the potential of wearable sensors and AR-based solutions.

Contribution

The study identifies gaps in digital health solutions for pediatric cancer patients and emphasizes the need for interactive technologies to improve activity engagement.

Findings

Digital tools like Actical and Garmin devices were used in 5 studies to monitor movement and step counts.

Self-reported methods like the Activities Scale for Kids were common but limited by recall bias.

Interactive digital solutions like AR and gamification remain underutilized in pediatric oncology.

Abstract

Patients with pediatric cancer often experience reduced physical activity (PA) due to treatment-related fatigue, functional limitations, and lack of structured exercise programs. Digital health solutions, including wearable sensors and augmented reality (AR)-based interventions, may offer new possibilities for monitoring and improving PA in this population.

This scoping review aims to address existing research gaps by identifying the instruments—both conventional and digital—used to monitor PA in patients with pediatric cancer during treatment. In addition, this study examines PA monitoring methods, identifies the variables collected, and explores the applicability of digital health solutions in facilitating PA engagement among patients with pediatric cancer.

In accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, a systematic search was conducted across 8 scientific databases—ProQuest, Web of Science, EBSCO Complete, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Cochrane—on April 18 and 19, 2024. Studies were screened using the Rayyan AI-assisted review tool based on predefined inclusion criteria targeting children aged 7-19 years who were undergoing cancer treatment or were within 2 years posttreatment. Eligible studies included clinical trials and observational studies that examined objective (eg, wearable sensors) and subjective (eg, questionnaires and self-reports) approaches to PA monitoring. Keywords and controlled vocabulary (eg, MeSH [Medical Subject Headings] terms) were identified through a review of relevant literature. Data were extracted systematically to capture study characteristics, intervention types, and outcome measures. Extracted data were charted and synthesized narratively to identify patterns, technological applications, and research gaps in PA monitoring among patients with pediatric cancer.

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and employed a range of PA monitoring tools. Digital health solutions, including Actical and Garmin VivoFit 3 devices, were used in 5 studies to assess step counts, gait cycles, and movement intensity. Self-reported measures were identified in 11 studies, most commonly the Activities Scale for Kids and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, which provided insights into mobility and fatigue. Despite their feasibility, subjective assessments were limited by recall bias and motivational factors. Although digital health solutions—such as wearable sensors, gamification, and mobile applications—showed potential to improve PA adherence, their application remains underutilized, and evidence regarding their integration in pediatric oncology is limited.

Existing objective and subjective methods for monitoring PA provide valuable insights; however, gaps remain in the use of interactive digital health solutions, such as AR-based interventions, for PA monitoring and engagement. Future research should focus on integrating digital tools that not only track PA but also actively engage patients, enhance motivation, and support rehabilitation across both clinical and home settings.

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