Self-reported physical fitness domains and perceptions of exercise and fatigue among childhood cancer survivors.
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BACKGROUND: Poor physical fitness and fatigue are prevalent long-term issues for childhood cancer survivors. This study aimed to determine associations between childhood cancer survivors' self-reported physical fitness domains and their perceptions of links between exercise and fatigue. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey assessed survivors' self-reported muscle strength, running speed and flexibility using The International Fitness Scale as well as survivors' perceptions of exercise and fatigue. Non-parametric correlation tests were used. RESULTS: One hundred and seven childhood cancer survivors aged 8-18 years participated at a median of six years post-completion of treatment. Poor muscle strength, running speed and flexibility were self-reported by 11%, 18% and 36% of survivors, respectively. Fatigue was perceived as a barrier to exercise by 50% of survivors, while 44% of survivors perceived that exercising reduced fatigue. Poor self-reported muscle strength was significantly associated with perceiving fatigue as a barrier to exercise (rrb = -0.219) and with perceiving exercising to reduce fatigue (T b = 0.192). Poor self-reported running speed was associated with perceiving fatigue as a barrier to exercise (rrb = -0.199) and with perceiving exercising to reduce fatigue (T b = 0.228). CONCLUSIONS: An assessment of self-reported physical fitness domains and perceptions of exercise and fatigue is needed among childhood cancer survivors to identify and support those who perceive poor physical fitness domains or believe that fatigue hinders their exercising. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Interventions that improve confidence in a childhood cancer survivor's own ability to exercise should be investigated to improve re-engagement with exercise.