This study aimed to assess the level of physical activity (PA) and quality of life of cancer-treated children, depending on their place of residence (Poland vs. the Czech Republic, where incidence and mortality rates of childhood malignancies are similar). A total of 68 school-age children (7-18 years) undergoing oncological treatment were included in this study. This study used the quality of life questionnaire (KIDSCREEN-10) and the HBSC questionnaire. This study showed statistically significant differences in the level of PA between Polish and Czech children. In Poland, 93.75% of children exhibited no weekly physical effort at the level of moderate to vigorous PA. In the Czech Republic, 69.44% of children engaged in PA lasting at least 60 min per day, or at least 1 day weekly. Physically active children engaging in more frequent effort, at least 60 min daily, reported higher physical performance (rho = 0.41), higher energy levels (rho = 0.41), and less mood disturbance (rho = -0.31). Children with good relationships with parents were more likely to engage in submaximal PA and spend less time on stationary games. Our study showed that an appropriate level of PA improves well-being and quality of life. It is crucial to promote attractive PA programs tailored for cancer-treated children.

Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology University Hospital Motol 150 06 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and BMT Wroclaw Medical University 50 556 Wroclaw Poland

Department of Physiotherapy Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences 51 612 Wroclaw Poland

Supraregional Center of Paediatric Oncology Cape of Hope Wroclaw University Clinical Hospital 50 556 Wroclaw Poland

Cancers (Basel). 2025 Jan 28;17(3):440. doi: 10.3390/cancers17030440. PubMed

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Correction: Kowaluk et al. Physical Activity Level and Quality of Life of Children Treated for Malignancy, Depending on Their Place of Residence: Poland vs. the Czech Republic: An Observational Study. Cancers 2023, 15, 4695