Kirsten K. Ness, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Evaluating movement and physical well-being in patients and survivors of childhood cancer is central to research in human performance. As part of the Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, my colleagues and I conduct a thorough evaluation of an individual’s function and movement in the Human Performance Lab. These evaluations range from small sensory-function measurements in a fingertip to comprehensive measurements of mobility, cardiopulmonary fitness, joint range-of-motion, muscle strength, vascular health, and peripheral nervous system integrity. 

Our research within the Human Performance Lab involves children who currently receive treatment for leukemia and lymphoma, brain tumors, other solid tumors, sickle cell disease, and spinal muscular atrophy.  We evaluate cancer survivors enrolled in the After Completion of Therapy Clinic (ACT) and St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study. We are among the world leaders in cardiopulmonary fitness testing in both patients and survivors of pediatric cancer.  We also have expertise in the assessment of cardiac autonomic and peripheral vascular dysfunction, isometric and isokinetic muscle strength and balance testing, peripheral nervous system assessment and measurement of normal movement development, and adaptive physical function. In collaboration with diagnostic imaging, we measure muscle and bone quality and quantity.  Beyond fitness testing, we study the impact of physical activity, exercise, and diet on long term health in our patient populations.

Our translational approaches to improve physical and overall health in children and survivors include interventions that employ exercise, physical rehabilitation, dietary strategies, mechanical stimulation, telehealth, and interactive mobile technology to restore or prevent loss of cardiac, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, neurologic, and adaptive function. Interventions are individualized and incorporate families. We currently offer an exercise intervention for children receiving radiation therapy, and a telehealth-based cardiac rehabilitation program for cancer survivors who have low fitness. In another effort powered by virtual, remote-based approaches, we partner with the Children’s Oncology Group to promote physical activity in children after they receive cancer therapy. 

Our commitment to improving the quality of life for patients and survivors of childhood cancer fuels all aspects of our research and interventional work.