Physical activity for cancer survivors: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract

ObjeCtive To systematically evaluate the effects of physical activity in adult patients after completion of main treatment related to cancer. Design Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials with data extraction and quality assessment performed independently by two researchers. Data sOurCes PubmeD, CINAHL, and Google Scholar from the earliest possible year to September 2011. References from meta-analyses and reviews. stuDy selection Randomised controlled trials that assessed the effects of physical activity in adults who had completed their main cancer treatment, except hormonal treatment. results There were 34 randomised controlled trials, of which 22 (65%) focused on patients with breast cancer, and 48 outcomes in our meta-analysis. Twenty two studies assessed aerobic exercise, and four also included resistance or strength training. The median duration of physical activity was 13 weeks (range 3-60 weeks). Most control groups were considered sedentary or were assigned no exercise. Based on studies on patients with breast cancer, physical activity was associated with improvements in insulin-like growth factor-I, bench press, leg press, fatigue, depression, and quality of life. When we combined studies on different types of cancer, we found significant improvements in body mass index (BMI), body weight, peak oxygen consumption, peak power output, distance walked in six minutes, right handgrip strength, and quality of life. Sources of study heterogeneity included age, study quality, study size, and type and duration of physical activity. Publication bias did not alter our conclusions. COnClusiOns Physical activity has positive effects on physiology, body composition, physical functions, psychological outcomes, and quality of life in patients after treatment for breast cancer. When patients with cancer other than breast cancer were also included, physical activity was associated with reduced BMI and body weight, increased peak oxygen consumption and peak power output, and improved quality of life.

Effect of physical exercise on muscle mass and strength in cancer patients during treatment—A systematic review

“…Existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the effects of physical exercise in cancer patients have evaluated multiple end-points both during and after anti-cancer treatment [5,49], and many have primarily focused on specific outcomes such as fatigue [1] and quality of life [3]. At present, no systematic review has primarily been designed to examine the effect of physical exercise on muscle mass and strength in cancer patients during active treatment.…”

Physical activity and survival of postmenopausal, hormone receptor–positive breast cancer patients: Results of the Tamoxifen Exemestane Adjuvant Multicenter Lifestyle study

“…A recent metaanalysis has shown that physical activity improves body composition, physical function, psychological complaints, and quality of life in breast cancer patients. 1 In addition, physical activity has been found to improve fitness and strength and reduce depression and fatigue. 2 Also, a multitude of studies have demonstrated the positive effects of physical activity in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.…”

Impact of two different exercise programs on persistent cancer-related fatigue and physical fitness

“…When patients with cancer other than breast cancer were also included, physical activity was associated with the reduction of body mass index and body weight, an increase of peak oxygen consumption and peak power output, and an improvement in quality of life. 14 In this study, the results of patients who underwent aerobic or aerobic + anaerobic exercise showed a statistically-significant improvement in physical performance and fatigue. In both training programs the average time to perform the exercises was approximately 40 minutes, the aerobic exercise program generally used the entire 40 minutes, but the time of exercise program of resistance training combined with aerobic was divided into 20 minutes for resistance training and 20 minutes for aerobic exercise training.…”