What the Evidence Says
Exercise During Cancer Treatment
A review of the clinical evidence for physical activity during and after pediatric cancer treatment, and what it means for patients, families, and the institutions that serve them.
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What's inside
- The clinical evidence that exercise during pediatric cancer treatment is safe, feasible, and beneficial · zero adverse events reported across randomized controlled trials.
- A breakdown of what the research shows across seven outcome domains, from functional mobility and muscle strength to fatigue and cardiovascular health.
- Three ongoing multi-site trials generating the next wave of evidence: INTERACT, FORTEe, and RePlay.
- Five evidence-based principles for families, plus the exact questions to bring to your child's treatment team.
- How Team Bardo is turning this evidence into infrastructure, with a dedicated training room planned for the new Radiumhospitalet in Oslo.
The data behind it
Sources: Morales et al., Cancer Treatment Reviews (2018) · Frontiers in Oncology (2026), doi:10.3389/fonc.2026.1773060 · JNCI Monographs (2025), doi:10.1093/jncimonographs/lgaf025 · ASCO (2024).
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe for my child to exercise during cancer treatment?
Yes. Across all reviewed randomized controlled trials, no adverse events have been attributed to supervised exercise, nor has any study found an increase in relapse or mortality risk. The evidence base spans multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Does exercise actually help with cancer-related fatigue?
Yes. In 2024, the American Society of Clinical Oncology designated exercise as a recommended first-line therapy for cancer-related fatigue, based on a meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials showing a moderate to large positive effect.
What type of exercise is recommended during treatment?
The evidence supports combined interventions: structured resistance training to counteract muscle wasting and bone density loss, alongside aerobic activity to maintain cardiovascular capacity and reduce fatigue. Supervised, individualized programs produce the strongest results.
What should I ask my child's treatment team about exercise?
Start by asking whether the hospital has an exercise program for pediatric oncology patients, whether there are clinical restrictions during specific treatment phases, and whether a referral to a physical therapist with oncology experience is possible.
Related guides
- Read the parent's guide to osteosarcoma research for the full picture of the science and trials behind current treatment.
- See the family roadmap for the first 30 days after diagnosis to understand where exercise and physical activity fit into the treatment timeline.
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Sourced, cited, and free. Practical guidance for exercise during pediatric cancer treatment.
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