SPECIAL INTEREST REPORT POSTER DISPLAY

BENDY KIDS YOGA: THE THERAPEUTIC YOGA ACTIVITES INCLUDING BREATHING, RANGE OF MOTION, STRENGTH AND BALANCE FOR CHILDREN LIVING WITH CANCER. Lyons A, Amazeen L; Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, WA

PURPOSE: To provide a typical exercise/recreational program for children living with cancer at all levels of physical ability in the inpatient and outpatient setting. RELEVANCE: There is a need to develop exercise programs for pediatric oncology patients to help maintain and improve upper and lower extremity range of motion, strength, balance and mobility level overall. Low impact exercise programs that incorporate stretching, relaxation and body awareness have been beneficial in preventing and minimizing physical inactivity, fatigue, muscle wasting and energy loss in oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy. Yoga exercise provides opportunities for stress management through breathing activities, and opportunities to interact with peers and improve strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga exercises can also be provided while children living with cancer are in isolation. DESCRIPTION: We initially established infection control and patient participation guidelines(including ANC and platelet counts) with the medical oncology staff. Dense foam mats were provided for patient safety. A physicians order, with any activity limitations, was generated for participation in the yoga exercise program. Children ages 2 to 21 years participated. Classes met twice weekly for inpatients and once weekly for outpatients over a 2 year period. Classes were taught by physical and occupational therapists who recieved two weekend training sessions by certified yoga instructors. classes were modified to accomodate any physical limitiations of participants. A DVD was developed so children could practice yoga activities at home or in their hospital room. EVALUATION: Participant activitity level and mood were documented for each session. Class content was recorded. Thsi ensured continuity of class activities and monitored participation levels. Staff met monthly to discuss any changes to be implemented in the program based on this documentation or feedback from parents and staff. Changes that were made included allowing bone marrow transplant patients to participate in groups of 3 or less. Children under 5 were also able to participate with caregiver support. Children living with cancer, their siblings and caregivers reported that yoga exercise classes were a great way to encourage physical activity and peer interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga exercise programs provide therapeutic activity for children at any level of their cancer treatment despite any physical limitations. IMPLICATIONS: Yoga exercise is a positive activity for children living with cancer. KEYWORDS: exercise, pediatric, oncology. FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Bendy Kids Yoga Program was made possible by the Lance Armstrong Foundation and through the support of the Physical and Occupational Therapy Department of CHRMC. CONTACT: anne.lyons@seattlechildrens.org

ETHICS COMMITTEE: Internal Review Board of Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle.