Telerehabilitation-Based Dance Therapy in Pediatric Cancer

Childhood cancer requires prolonged and intensive treatment, resulting in significant biopsychosocial challenges for affected children and their families. During and following treatment, children frequently experience impairments in fine and gross motor skills, reduced physical capacity, emotional difficulties, and decreased participation in daily activities. Within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY), these impairments in body structure and function may negatively influence activity, participation, and overall quality of life. Dance therapy is a holistic rehabilitation approach that integrates rhythm, structured movement, and emotional expression to enhance motor performance, body awareness, and psychosocial well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that dance-based interventions may contribute to improved pain management, psychological resilience, and emotional health in pediatric oncology populations. However, access to structured physical activity programs remains limited due to treatment-related fatigue, infection risk, travel burden, time constraints, and financial costs. Telerehabilitation may overcome these barriers by delivering therapy remotely, thereby improving accessibility, reducing logistical constraints, and ensuring continuity of care. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effects of an 8-week telerehabilitation-based dance therapy program (twice weekly, 35-40 minutes per session) on fine and gross motor skills, health-related quality of life, participation in home, school, and community settings, and motivation in children undergoing or recently completing cancer treatment.

Sex

All

Minimum age

6 Years

Maximum age

14 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 6-14 years diagnosed with a hematological malignancy or solid tumor by a pediatric oncology specialist.
* Currently undergoing treatment or within 6 months after completion of treatment (for hematological malignancies: during maintenance therapy or ≤6 months post-treatment; for solid tumors: during treatment or ≤6 months post-treatment).
* Medically stable and cleared by the treating clinical team to participate in moderate physical activity/dance therapy.
* Able to stand independently and perform movements without assistive devices.
* Access to a digital device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) equipped with a camera, audio capability, and a stable internet connection.
* Parent/guardian able to read and write in Turkish.
* Written informed consent from the parent/guardian and assent from the child (as appropriate for age).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pre-existing genetic, neurological, developmental, or motor disorders diagnosed prior to cancer diagnosis that may affect motor performance.
* Medical contraindications to exercise (e.g., unresolved fractures, severe avascular necrosis, recent bone marrow transplantation, or other conditions restricting physical activity as determined by the treating physician).
* Inability to maintain stable internet connectivity required for telerehabilitation sessions.
* Previous structured dance therapy participation within the last 6 months.

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