Core components of rehabilitating children with brain cancer using exergames: a scoping review

Introduction: Child cancer is a rare phenomenon carrying alterations in physical condition, that influence the way they develop. Due to the implications resulting from brain tumors it is necessary to define, implement and evaluate interventions that minimize the functional impact on the child, speci-fically those that utilize exergames. So, the aim of this study is to map the literature related to the use of exergames in the motor rehabilitation of school--aged children with brain tumors. Methodology: Scoping Review method, according to Joanna Briggs Institute. Two independent re-viewers carried out the review which included studies incorporating school-aged children with a brain tumor, who resorted to exergames in motor rehabilitation programs. Research was carried out without a time limit, accessing to EBSCOHost, Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature. Results: Three publications were included. The intervention varied between 8 to 12 weeks including 3 to 5 sessions per week, with an estimated time of 30 to 45 minutes per session. The most used gaming platform was Nintendo® Wii. Several evaluation tools have been applied, to obtain data about physical fitness, functionality, quality of life, neuropsy-chological state, and self-concept. Discussion: Intervention programs differ one from another, particularly in the criteria for their pres-cription, duration, and assessment tools, as well as the game platforms used. The programs are evalua-ted at an early stage and at the end and can be ex-tended up to 3 months after the end of the program. Conclusion: Further investigation should be carried to examine the characteristics of interventions aimed at children with cancer, namely the frequen-cy, intensity, type, and duration of physical exercise, as well as the influence of exergames on the rehabilitation of children with brain tumors. The scarcity of research on this topic justifies investing in primary studies to clarify the impact of the intervention of specialist nurses in Rehabilitation Nursing in this field. The analysis of interventions that can be implemented by specialist nurses for children with cancer is an emerging issue, to promote infor-med decision-making in Rehabilitation Nursing, as well as to identify priority areas for research.