Exercise Programs and Health-Related Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the impact of exercise interventions on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for cancer survivors who have completed primary treatment. The study synthesized data from 40 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 3,694 participants. Exercise interventions included aerobic, resistance training, yoga, and other forms of physical activity.

Key Findings:

1. Overall HRQOL Improvement: Exercise programs significantly enhanced overall HRQOL within 12 weeks post-intervention, with benefits sustained up to six months in some cases.

2. Emotional Well-Being and Fatigue: Participants reported improved emotional well-being and reduced fatigue after exercise interventions, particularly at 12 weeks.

3. Reduction in Anxiety: Exercise was effective in lowering anxiety levels among survivors, although the benefits diminished over time.

4. Social Functioning: Enhanced social functioning was observed in participants undergoing exercise interventions compared to control groups.

5. Variation Across Cancer Types: Breast cancer survivors showed the most significant improvements, while benefits for other cancer types varied depending on the intervention.

The review concludes that structured exercise programs are beneficial for improving HRQOL in cancer survivors and recommends integrating such interventions into survivorship care plans. It also emphasizes the need for further research to optimize exercise protocols for different cancer types and survivors’ needs.

Author: Shiraz I Mishra, Roberta W Scherer, Claire Snyder, Paula Geigle, and Carolyn Gotay

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4332787/