Motor ability, physical self-concept and health-related quality of life in pediatric cancer survivors

Background: Cancer survivorship is frequently associated with severe late effects. However, research into pediatric cancer survivors on late effects in motor ability, physical self-concept and their relationship to quality of life is limited. Methods: Using multiple regression analyses, 78 pediatric cancer survivors and 56 typically developing children were compared in motor ability, physical self-concept and health-related quality of life. In addition, mediational multi-group analyses between motor ability (independent variable), physical self-concept (mediator) and quality of life (dependent variable) were calculated. Results: Pediatric cancer survivors had a lower motor ability (g(Hedges) = 0.863), a lower physical self-concept with regard to several scales of the PSDQ-S (g(Hedges) = 0.318-0.764) and a higher relative risk for a below average quality of life than controls (RR = 1.44). Children with a history of cancer involving the central nervous system showed poorer motor ability compared to those without central nervous system involvement (g(Hedges) = 0.591). Furthermore, the physical self-concept significantly mediated the relationship between motor ability and quality of life in pediatric cancer survivors but not in typically developing children. Conclusions: Results show the importance of monitoring and supporting the development of motor ability in the aftercare of pediatric cancer survivors. Physical activity interventions may be advisable to prevent physical activity-related late effects and potentially improve related psychosocial variables such as quality of life.