Can Steps per Day Reflect Symptoms in Children and Adolescents Undergoing Cancer Treatment?

Abstract

Background: Multiple symptoms occur in children receiving cancer therapy. Decreased steps per day may be associated with burdensome symptoms.

Objective: To evaluate associations between self-reported symptoms (pain interference, anxiety, depressive symptoms, psychological stress, and fatigue) and function (physical function-mobility and physical activity) and cumulative symptom count with steps per day.

Methods: Five sites enrolled English-speaking children, 8 to 17 years, receiving treatment for a first cancer diagnosis. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) surveys were administered before (T1) and after (T2) a course of chemotherapy. Garmin VivoFit 3 (Garmin International, Olathe, KS) accelerometers were worn 7 days prior to each data point. Univariate changes in scores over time were evaluated with dependent-sample t tests. Pearson correlations examined associations between PRO domains and step count. Multivariable mixed-effect models examined associations between steps and PROs.

Results: Participants' (n = 65) steps per day decreased during treatment (4099 [T1] and 3135 [T2]; P < .01), with larger reductions observed during hospitalization and in younger children compared with adolescents. Steps significantly correlated with PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System) Pediatric physical activity and physical function-mobility. Decreased steps per day were associated with increased fatigue and cumulative symptom count.

Conclusions: In children and adolescents with cancer, steps per day can serve as an indicator of fatigue, cumulative symptom count, physical activity, and physical functioning-mobility.

Implications for practice: Child self-reports of physical activity and physical function are valid during cancer therapy and should be captured. In the absence of self-report, decreasing step count may prompt additional assessments related to fatigue or cumulative symptom count and trigger early interventions to support physical activity and physical function-mobility.