Evaluation of the Improvement of Autonomic Nervous System by a Physical Rehabilitation Program Adapted to Adulthood After Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy in Childhood

Survival rate of childhood cancers is now reaching 80%. However, early or late complications related to surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy remain high and greatly increase the risk of late mortality. Health of individuals is closely correlated to the stability of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), a key system for maintaining homeostasis in any living species. Efficient computer tools allowed the opportunity to assess the intrinsic autonomic regulation of the ANS either directly or at a later time by an analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV). These tools have become very powerful predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and neurological aging. Physical endurance training improves both maximal aerobic capacity and ANS activity.