Physical Fitness and Physical Activity in Adolescent Childhood Cancer Survivors and Controls: The PACCS Study

Objectives: This study aimed to compare physical fitness, function, and physical activity (PA) in adolescent childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) to age- and sex-matched controls and across different cancer diagnoses. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study (Physical Activity among Childhood Cancer Survivors) included CCSs aged 9-18 yr (≥1-yr after cancer treatment) and age- and sex-matched controls. Physical fitness tests included cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O 2max ) and muscular strength (maximal isometric handgrip, knee extension, and chest press). Physical function tests included a 1-min sit-to-stand test (STS) and countermovement jump (CMJ). PA was measured by accelerometer for 7 d. We used linear mixed-effects models to compare outcomes between CCSs and controls, and across diagnostic groups. Conclusions: Despite no significant difference in PA levels, adolescent CCSs had 4.2% to 11% lower physical fitness and function compared with controls, where survivors of CNS tumors performed the poorest.