Motor Proficiency and Occupational Performance in Children with Leukemia Across Age Groups: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: – Motor disability represents a major challenge in children with leukemia, profoundly affecting their ability to perform activities of daily living. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between motor proficiency and the ability to perform daily tasks in children with leukemia who are not attending school during treatment. Methods: – This cross-sectional study was conducted in a Pediatric Oncology Department and included 102 children with leukemia aged 6 to 17 years. Occupational performance was assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and motor skills were evaluated with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency–Short Form (BOTMP-SF). Results: – Approximately half of the participants were high school students, with 54.9% being male. COPM and BOTMP-SF differed significantly between age groups (P < .05). BOTMP-SF fine and gross motor proficiency found significant differences between primary, secondary, and high school age groups for gross motor proficiency (P < .05). Conclusion: – The relationship between motor proficiency and participation in activities of daily living in children with leukemia has a crucial impact on occupational performance. In this context, it is important to implement specific interventions that take into account the age-specific needs of children with cancer. © 2025