Abstract
Background: 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.
Objective: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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
Objective: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e73889 |
| Pages (from-to) | e73889 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | JMIR Cancer |
| Volume | 12 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 29 Jan 2026 |
Keywords*
- pediatric oncology
- cancer
- physical activity monitoring
- Augmented reality
- digital health
- Gamification
Field of Science*
- 3.3 Health sciences
Publication Type*
- 1.3. Anonymously reviewed scientific article published in a journal with an international editorial board and is available in another indexed database
