RSU researchers explain how digital technologies help paediatric oncology patients

Writers: Alīna Češuna (Laboratory Assistant, RSU Department of Rehabilitation),
Guna Semjonova (Laboratory Assistant, RSU Department of Rehabilitation)

For many children, long-term hospitalisation means not only fighting an illness but also struggling with a lack of physical activity. Latvian researchers are studying ways to make daily life more dynamic for these children through the use of a digital, game-based approach that helps paediatric oncology patients stay active and improve their quality of life in the long run. 

Children with oncological diseases also belong to a high-risk group for developing other health conditions, such likelihood of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.³

The Department of Rehabilitation at the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences has launched a research project* where researchers, in collaboration with clinical specialists from the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (BKUS), monitor the physical activity habits of paediatric oncology patients and explore the potential of digital solutions to improve these habits. The team is using a digital approach with game elements in the hospital environment to provide young oncology patients with child-friendly ways to stay active in a manner suited to their health condition during their long hospital stays. The project has already attracted international interest for further research collaboration.

Photo: Courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Why are paediatric oncology patients less active? 

Oncological diseases and their treatment cause a range of side effects, including nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, mood swings, and chronic fatigue.⁴ Chemotherapy can also lead to anaemia and reduced muscle function.⁵ Various factors, including psychological ones, play a significant role: children often experience fear or insecurity about their bodies after starting treatment. In addition, the hospital environment is not always suitable for physical activity - premises are small, and there is often a lack of appropriate opportunities for games or exercises.

Pētījumi atklāj, ka bērni, kuri saglabā fizisko aktivitāti ārstēšanas laikā, biežāk un ātrāk atgriežas pie ierastajām aktivitātēm un skolas dzīves nekā tie, kuri ir mazkustīgi. Tas ietekmē ne tikai fizisko veselību, bet arī emocionālo labsajūtu un sociālo integrāciju.

Regular physical activity reduces the side effects of cancer therapy, particularly fatigue.⁹ It also improves muscle strength, bone health, and overall quality of life.^{9, 10}

Digital technologies as a tool of assistance 

Digital technologies open new opportunities for motivating children and monitoring their activities. Virtual reality, mobile applications, and digital health solutions allow children to exercise in an interactive and engaging way. ^15,16 Research shows that apps incorporating augmented reality-based game elements increase children’s activity and ensure longer involvement.^15,17 These tools provide interactive challenges, promote active and independent participation, and also secure feedback.^{17, 18}

Augmented reality (AR) can be motivating and tailored to individual needs. Also, mobile health (mHealth) solutions, including mobile and wireless technologies, as well as wearable devices provide an opportunity to monitor physical activity levels and systematically incorporate exercise into childrens’ daily routine. This helps them become more independent and develop healthy habits, positively influencing their everyday behaviours.^17,18 

Nowadays, almost all children know how to use a smartphone, which makes these solutions easily accessible and understandable.

Our study in Latvia 

The RSU research team, in collaboration with BKUS, has launched a research project “Monitoring of physical activity habits of pediatric oncology patients using a digital approach with augmented reality-based interactive game elements” to understand the physical activity habits of paediatric oncology patients and to monitor the potential of digital solutions to improve these habits.²¹

In the Latvian project, special attention is also given to psychological aspects; children are provided with opportunities to engage in activities that bring joy and promote positive emotions.

This is important because emotional well-being is closely linked to the level of physical activity. The project involves both researchers and clinical specialists and is designed to test solutions within the hospital environment, ensuring child-friendly and sustainable support for movement. It is planned that, in the future, this project could serve as a foundation for international collaboration and data exchange with other European countries.

Read the full article on LSM.lv (in Latvian)

References

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21. Pediatrijas onkoloģijas pacientu fizisko aktivitāšu paradumu pārraudzība, izmantojot digitālo pieeju ar paplašinātās realitātes interaktīviem spēles elementiem