Assessing the effects of physical activity in children and adolescent Hodgkin's linphoma survivors. A systematic review.

Physical activity can improve metabolism, lung functionality, aerobic capacity, physical fitness components and quality of life among children and adults diagnosed with cancer. The daily practice of physical activity and physical fitness levels are important factors to cancer care and prevention, showing positive effects on the immune system and hematologic malignancies. Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, originated from B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) present in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood and numerous other organs. This system has a defense function, protecting organism from external agents and diseases. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the effects of physical activity on fatigue, physical fitness levels and quality of life in children and adolescents Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors. The PRISMA protocol was used to conduct a systematic review of SportDiscuss, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Pedro databases. 4 articles met inclusion criteria (randomized controlled trials, pre-post intervention studies with and without control group, pilot studies or preliminary studies; full-text and peer-reviewed studies; diagnosis of lymphoma during childhood or adolescence; studies using validated assessment tools or a combination of validated and non-validated tools; studies including physical activity, physical fitness and quality of life as outcomes; studies focusing Hodgkin Lymphoma exclusively; studies published in English). Results evidence a progressive decline in physical activity levels, a progressive decrease in VO2max, increased fatigue, muscular strength reduction, and major risk of cardiovascular diseases in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivors. Future research should clarify the effects of physical activity on HL management and etiology, to reach definitive conclusions and develop specific policy recommendations.