Open Access
Telerehabilitation in Pediatric Oncology: Intervention Models and The Emerging Role of Hybrid Care
1
Amasya University
2
Dokuz Eylül University
Abstract
Barriers to rehabilitation access in pediatric oncology, including geographical constraints, treatment burden, and clinical vulnerability, have increased interest in telerehabilitation. However, existing evidence remains fragmented, with variability in intervention models and reported outcomes. This study aimed to examine telerehabilitation interventions in pediatric oncology by identifying delivery models and synthesizing evidence on functional outcomes, feasibility, adherence, and acceptability. A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies published from 2015 onward involving structured telerehabilitation interventions in pediatric oncology populations (≤21 years) were included. Sixteen studies (14 intervention studies and 2 protocols) were analyzed descriptively. Interventions were categorized as supervised synchronous programs, low-supervision digital interventions, and hybrid care models. The evidence base is predominantly composed of small-sample feasibility and pilot studies, although randomized and hybrid effectiveness–implementation designs are emerging. Supervised synchronous programs demonstrated high adherence rates (approximately 80–90%) and favorable safety profiles, with no serious adverse events reported. These interventions were associated with more consistent improvements in muscle strength, power, and flexibility, whereas cardiorespiratory endurance and fatigue outcomes were more variable. Low-supervision interventions showed limited or inconsistent effects on functional outcomes. Evidence on participation-level and long-term outcomes remains scarce. Telerehabilitation appears to be a feasible and safe approach in pediatric oncology, particularly when delivered through structured and supervised models. Hybrid care models may offer a promising balance between clinical effectiveness and accessibility. Further research should focus on larger trials, standardized outcomes, and broader clinical populations.
Keywords
Pediatric Oncology ,Telerehabilitation ,Tele-Exercise ,Physical Function ,Hybrid Care
How to Cite
Ipek-Erdem, F., & Genç, A. (2026). Telerehabilitation in Pediatric Oncology: Intervention Models and The Emerging Role of Hybrid Care: Telerehabilitation in pediatric oncology. International Journal of Digital Health & Patient Care, 3(1), 54–65. https://doi.org/10.67015/ijdhpc.344
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