Physical activity and physical fitness assessments in adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer: a scoping review

PurposeThis scoping review describes the assessment methodologies for physical activity (PA) and physical fitness assessments used in studies focusing on adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer.MethodsA search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library following the PRISMA-ScR statement. A total of 34 studies were included in this review.ResultsPA was primarily assessed via self-reported questionnaires (30/34) either completed in-person (n = 17) or online (n = 13) at different time points and different stages along the cancer trajectory (i.e., from diagnosis onward). A total of 9 studies conducted a physical fitness assessment.ConclusionsPA and physical fitness measurements are key when trying to describe outcomes, assess for associations, track changes, measure intervention adherence, and test intervention efficacy and effectiveness. Considerable heterogeneity across studies was reported limiting the generation of formal recommendations or guidance for researchers, healthcare providers, and policy makers.

Automated summary

This scoping review examined the assessment methodologies for physical activity and physical fitness in studies focusing on adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Self-reported questionnaires were primarily used for assessing physical activity, while a few studies also conducted physical fitness assessments. The considerable heterogeneity across studies limits the creation of formal recommendations or guidelines for researchers, healthcare providers, and policy makers.