Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
Semina Nani,Ourania Matsouka, Yannis Theodorakis,Panagiotis Antoniou
School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences,
Democritus University of Thrace,Greece
School of Physical Education
and Sport Sciences,
Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
Department of Physical Education and Sports
Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Pediatr Ther
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of exergames on psychosocial aspects of three pediatric oncology patients (N=3), aged from 5-6 years old, during the phase of cancer treatment, who were recruited from the hostel of Association of Friends of Children with Cancer "Storgi" in Greece. A 12-week exercise program with threeweekly sessions and 30 min duration per training session was implemented by using Xbox Kinectâ?˘ console. Participants had the opportunity to choose and play from a plethora of games according to their personal preferences (Kinect sports, Kinect sports-season 2, Kinect Adventures). Data were collected via observations and individual interviews with the patients, with their parents and the manager director of the hostel. Our findings indicated that exergame participation has the potential to decrease childrensâ?? perceptions of insecure, anxiety, fear and intense anger, and as a result leads to a feeling of euphoria and happiness, increases enthusiasm, satisfaction with life and self-esteem. Additionally, this kind of exercise improves the childrensâ?? social skills like making new friends, sharing things with others and cooperating. In conclusion, exergaming is a highly recommended physical activity for achieving a better psychosocial health during the phase of cancer treatment in pediatric oncology.
Semina Nani is a PhD Candidate in Therapeutic Kinetic Recreation and has a contract with School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, as hourly remuneration in Laboratory of Sports Tourism & Recreation since 2015 until now. She has published research papers, short papers and conference abstracts. Her research interests are the study of therapeutic kinetic recreation, exercise and outdoor activities in both clinical and healthy populations. For over six years she has been working in sport camps, outdoor recreation centers, mountaineering clubs, sport centers and centers for kids with cancer, drug users and people with physical disabilities.
E-mail: snani@phyed.duth.gr