Clinical outcomes and interventions related to sedentary behaviours in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients and survivors: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive sedentary behaviour (SB) is highly prevalent among children and adolescents and young adults (AYAs) treated for cancer. Although SB is associated with adverse health outcomes in adults with cancer, little is known about SB in younger cancer patients and survivors. In this scoping review, we aim to summarise current literature on (1) the association between SB and clinical outcomes and (2) results of intervention trials to reduce SB, specifically in paediatric and AYA cancer patients and survivors.

Methods and analysis: The scoping review will follow the five stages described in the Arksey and O'Malley methodology framework. We will conduct a comprehensive search in five varied electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and SportDiscus) for original articles published in peer-reviewed journals since 1 January 2000, and search reference lists of identified articles and previous review articles. All original research article types will be considered (ie, cross-sectional, cohort, interventional trials). Two reviewers will independently screen all articles based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, including (1) more than half the sample at the time of study must have been children (0-14 years old) and/or adolescent and young adults (AYAs, 15-39-year old) who were being or had been previously treated for cancer and (2) reporting of SB. Data will be extracted as a descriptive and quantitative summary of each study's key characteristics and results. Study-specific quality assessment will be performed using established tools. Results will be presented in evidence tables with an accompanying narrative summary.

Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval is not required as only publicly available data will be analysed. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and may be presented at a scientific conference.

Registration details: The protocol is registered in Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/ua8z9).

Keywords: Adolescent; Behavior; Paediatric oncology; Physical Fitness; Review.