Effectiveness of an Adventure-based Training Programme to Reduce Fatigue for Childhood Cancer Survivors

Background: Cancer-related fatigue is the most common concern reported by Childhood cancer survivors. Empirical evidence is needed to find out an appropriate strategy for ameliorating its impact. Purposes: To examine the effectiveness of an adventure-based training programme in promoting regular physical activity, reducing fatigue and enhancing quality of life among Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors. Design and Subjects: A randomised controlled trial (RCT), two-group pre-test and repeated post-test, between subjects design has been conducted. Recruitment of subjects has been carried out in an outpatient clinic, and through the Children's Cancer Foundation and Sunshine Group, which are non-profit voluntary organizations with the aim to provide education and supportive services to parents of Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors. Intervention: Participants in the experimental group have joined a four-day adventure-based training programme, which contains education talks, a workshop and adventure-based training activities. Those in the placebo control group has received an amount of time and attention (leisure activities organized by a community centre) that mimick that received by the experimental group.

Sex

All

Minimum age

9 Years

Maximum age

16 Years

The Inclusion Criteria for eligible Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivals are as follows:

* Aged 9 to 16 years;
* Able to speak Cantonese and read Chinese;
* Had completed cancer treatment at least six months previously; and
* Did not engage in regular physical activity for the past 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The investigators will exclude childhood cancer survivors with evidence of recurrence or second malignancies, and those with physical impairment or cognitive and learning problems identified from their medical records.