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An update of controlled physical activity trials in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Journal of Cancer Survivorship Aims and scope Submit manuscript

An Erratum to this article was published on 22 October 2010

Abstract

Introduction

Approximately 11.1 million cancer survivors are alive in the United States. Activity prescriptions for cancer survivors rely on evidence as to whether exercise during or after treatment results in improved health outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the extent to which physical activity during and post treatment is appropriate and effective across the cancer control continuum.

Methods

A systematic quantitative review of the English language scientific literature searched controlled trials of physical activity interventions in cancer survivors during and post treatment. Data from 82 studies were abstracted, weighted mean effect sizes (WMES) were calculated from 66 high quality studies, and a systematic level of evidence criteria was applied to evaluate 60 outcomes. Reports of adverse events were abstracted from all studies.

Results

Quantitative evidence shows a large effect of physical activity interventions post treatment on upper and lower body strength (WMES = 0.99 & 0.90, p < 0.0001 & 0.024, respectively) and moderate effects on fatigue and breast cancer-specific concerns (WMES = −0.54 & 0.62, p = 0.003 & 0.003, respectively). A small to moderate positive effect of physical activity during treatment was seen for physical activity level, aerobic fitness, muscular strength, functional quality of life, anxiety, and self-esteem. With few exceptions, exercise was well tolerated during and post treatment without adverse events.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests many health benefits from physical activity during and post cancer treatments. Additional studies are needed in cancer diagnoses other than breast and with a focus on survivors in greatest need of improvements for the health outcomes of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Rebecca M. Speck & Kathryn H. Schmitz

  2. Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Kerry S. Courneya

  3. Centre for Community Child Health Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Louise C. Mâsse

  4. Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Sue Duval

  5. Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, 903 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Kathryn H. Schmitz

Authors
  1. Rebecca M. Speck
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  2. Kerry S. Courneya
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  3. Louise C. Mâsse
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  4. Sue Duval
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  5. Kathryn H. Schmitz
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Correspondence to Kathryn H. Schmitz.

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An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11764-010-0137-7

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Speck, R.M., Courneya, K.S., Mâsse, L.C. et al. An update of controlled physical activity trials in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cancer Surviv 4, 87–100 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-009-0110-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-009-0110-5

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