Integrated physiotherapy and music therapy for paediatric oncology care: A scoping review protocol

Abstract

Background: Children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment often experience physical and psychosocial challenges, such as weakness, fatigue, anxiety, and social isolation, which significantly impact quality of life (QoL) and daily activities, including school. Physiotherapy addresses physical limitations, while music therapy supports emotional well-being and social engagement. Although both therapies are used in paediatric oncology, evidence on multimodal rehabilitation approaches combining these interventions is limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with scarce rehabilitation resources. Mapping available literature may help inform more holistic care in these contexts.
Aim: To map and describe evidence on multimodal rehabilitation interventions incorporating physiotherapy and music therapy for children and adolescents with cancer, focusing on intervention characteristics, outcomes, implementation, and contextual factors, especially in LMICs.
Methods: This scoping review will use the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework following JBI guidance. Studies from 2016 to 2026 will be identified through searches in PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, and grey literature, with the search strategy peer-reviewed using PRESS guidelines. Eligible studies will include children and adolescents (6 years – 17 years) with cancer who received multimodal rehabilitation involving physiotherapy and/or music therapy, or combined exercise and music-based approaches, during inpatient or hospital care.
Results: Studies will report on any outcomes related to physical function, psychosocial well-being, QoL, feasibility, acceptability, implementation, or barriers and facilitators. Two reviewers will independently screen and extract data, which will be synthesised both descriptively and thematically. Studies from LMICs will be analysed separately where sufficient data exist, with contextual factors thematically analysed.
Conclusion: This review will support the development of effective, culturally relevant rehabilitation for paediatric oncology in resource-limited settings.
Contribution: The review will highlight current evidence and gaps, supporting the development of culturally appropriate, multimodal interventions.