Move to Improve expanding access for PCH patients

Move to Improve program participant Archie

More children and young people living with chronic conditions will soon be able to access Move to Improve, an 8-week physical activity program led by Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), as it expands across all medical departments in the coming months.

Move to Improve takes a fun, family-centred approach, supporting patients to build confidence, improve their physical health and work towards personal goals.

Delivered by a multidisciplinary team, the program helps children and young people understand how small, achievable changes can make a positive difference to their wellbeing.

For 17-year-old Archie, Move to Improve has played an important role in rebuilding his physical strength.

Archie was diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 neuroblastoma at just 3 years old.

He spent more than 18 months in hospital undergoing intensive treatment and nearly lost his life twice.

While radiation therapy ultimately saved him, it caused lasting damage to his spine, resulting in kyphosis (a forward curvature of the spine) and ongoing chronic pain.

Now in Year 12, Archie continues to manage daily pain and attends regular specialist appointments as part of his long-term care.

Despite these challenges, he remains resilient, positive and focused on his goal of becoming a mechanic.

Archie’s mum, Claire, said the program helped her son feel more in control of his physical health.

“Move to Improve inspired him to look after his physical health again and reminded him that he can actually influence it,” Claire said.

During the program, Archie worked closely with a physiotherapist at PCH and in his local gym to strengthen his core and back muscles.

He also received support from a dietitian to help with healthy weight gain and a clinical psychologist as part of his care.

“Move to Improve helps to educate kids with chronic conditions on what they can change,” Claire said.

“Having that education gives them more confidence.”

Move to Improve is part of a 5-year research project led by Western Australian child and adolescent health researchers.

The pilot program has now reached 100 participants, with early data analysis underway.

The program was initially available to children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 in the Perth metropolitan area with conditions such as cancer, type 1 diabetes, burns, cerebral palsy and stable neurological conditions.

With its upcoming expansion across all medical departments at PCH, more patients will be able to access the program and receive tailored support to help them stay active and achieve their goals.

For more information about Move to Improve, please speak with your PCH care team or contact the program at movetoimprove@health.wa.gov.au.

Move to Improve is funded by Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, with support from Principal Partner, Mineral Resources.