Objectives: Pediatric patients with cancer experience impairments in muscle strength and physical activity (PA) that may reduce autonomy during hospitalization. To determine the effects of strength exercise interventions on the accomplishment of activities of daily living (ADLs), motor performance, and PA in children with leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, we randomly allocated patients (4–18 years) immediately after diagnosis into two exercise groups.Methods: The intervention group (IG; n = 21) received a specific strength training combined with a standard care exercise program, whereas the control group (CG; n = 20) was provided standard care exercise program without any targeted muscle strengthening. After the baseline visit, participants were followed-up three times until intensive treatment cessation. We assessed physical function limitations using the Activities Scale for Kids© (ASK) and Functional ADL Screen. Secondary outcomes were PA levels using accelerometer and motor performance as measured by MOON-test (motor performance in pediatric oncology-test).Results: In both groups, ADL accomplishment had significantly increased (p < 0.05). However, no significant between-group differences for ASK outcome were noted. Motor performance was reduced in all motor abilities.Conclusions: Both exercise interventions were effective to maintain ADLs and motor performance during intensive treatment. In comparison, regular strength exercise interventions in the course of therapy tended to be more beneficial with regards to muscular explosive and endurance strength.

Objective Cancer diagnosis, treatment side effects and physical inactivity can lead to reduced muscle strength. Patients undergoing acute treatment experience many burdens that can restrict their mobility and autonomy, leading to limited independence and loss of resources to cope with everyday tasks. In this work, we analyse the status quo and potential influencing factors for the accomplishment of activities of daily living (ADLs) shortly after cancer diagnosis. Methods We recruited participants ages 4–18 years diagnosed with acute leukaemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For the baseline analysis, we assessed (1) physical function limitations using the Activities Scale for Kids©, (2) exercise-related ADLs simulated with the Functional ADL Screen, (3) motor performance using the Motor Performance in Paediatric Oncology test and (4) physical activity (PA) level measured using an accelerometer. Results We conducted the baseline assessment 19.2 ± 12.6 days post-diagnosis in 41 patients. All participants reported functional limitations in ADLs and PA. Motor performance was reduced for all abilities. Cumulative steroid dose was negatively correlated with hand grip strength (r = −0.50, p = 0.009). Conclusion Shortly after diagnosis of paediatric cancer, patients experience various physical impairments that can be counteracted with regular, instructed exercise interventions.

The prevalence of chronic diseases in children and adolescents has risen alarmingly worldwide. Diseases such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, mental disorders, and congenital heart defects are increasingly affecting the lives of children and pose significant challenges for the healthcare system. Physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing and treating these diseases. Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise improves physical performance, increases well-being, and leads to better health in the long term. Specially tailored sports programs that meet the individual needs and abilities of the children and adolescents affected are particularly important. The KidsTUMove project addresses this by developing tailored exercise programs for children with chronic diseases’ specific needs, medical conditions, and physical abilities. Therefore, it closes the gap in care provision and can thus sustainably improve the health prospects of these children and adolescents. KidsTUMove is positioned to make a significant impact on the lives of affected children across Europe. Promotion of such programs should therefore be an integral part of future health strategies.

The "Sport4E" project aims to improve educational outcomes through sports, focusing on skill development in line with EU guidelines for athletes' dual careers. It concentrates on empowers young athletes, coaches, and educators by emphasizing working and entrepreneurial skills, with a focus on soft skills. The project seeks to raise coaches' awareness of integrating these skills into training sessions and evaluates skills through surveys to gauge their relevance in the labour market. The methodology involved literature reviews from 2013 to 2023, with partners conducting country-specific studies, targeting young athletes aged 15-25 and coaches/sports instructors. This resulted was the design of a questionnaire categorizing skills into four groups: Ideas and Opportunities, Personal Resources, Specific Knowledge, and Into Action, using established models for classification. The literature review identified studies on skills developed through sports and those crucial for athletes in the labour market, condensed into seven categories. A survey of 202 athletes revealed disparities between self-assessment and actual development in various skills, highlighting differences in creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. The discussion emphasizes that athletes' self-assessment is influenced by factors like education, demographics, and sports type, impacting holistic skill development. Different sports require tailored coaching and support programs to address gaps in critical skills. In conclusion, the Sport4E project emphasizes athletes' diverse skills for entrepreneurial success but emphasizes the need for targeted interventions. Recognizing athletes' competencies, the project offers a framework for nurturing these skills and facilitating their transition into entrepreneurship, positively impacting both the sports industry and the broader job market.