Parent and child physical activity as possible predictors of quality of life in pediatric brain tumor patients: a dyadic analysis

Introduction: Children diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor (PBT) are at risk for deficits that can affect their quality of life (QoL). One potential avenue to target the QoL of these patients is physical activity (PA). This study aimed to evaluate the association between parent and child PA levels, and the unique contributions of these outcomes to children’s overall and domain-specific QoL in children with PBT, including those in active treatment and remission. Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted in a hospital setting, we measured PA levels of 36 parent-child dyads through self-reported weekly minutes of PA. We assessed children’s overall and domain-specific (i.e. physical, emotional, social, school functioning) QoL with the PedsQL Generic Core Scales. We analyzed our data descriptively and using correlation analyses to explore relationships between child and parent PA levels. We used an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to evaluate whether child and parent PA were associated with children’s QoL. Results: In 36 parent-child dyads, we found a strong positive correlation between parent and child (m_age = 10.44 ± 4.09; range 5−18 years) PA levels (r = 0.802, p < 0.001). The APIM revealed excellent model fit indices (χ²(8) = 3.40, p = 0.907, CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.208, RMSEA = 0 (90% CI[0, 0.079]), SRMR = 0.077) and a significant actor effect, with child PA being significantly positively associated with the child’s overall QoL (β = 0.779, FDR-corrected p = 0.05, 95% CI[0.019, 0.108]). There was no partner effect, however, as parents’ PA was not associated with the child’s overall or domain-specific QoL (median FDR-corrected p = 0.290). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that in children diagnosed with a PBT, child PA levels are significantly associated with their overall QoL, and parents’ PA is not associated with their child’s QoL. These findings highlight the need for clinical interventions that promote PA that is tailored to the needs of this population. Future research should explore approaches for family-based interventions to enhance QoL.