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Effects of virtual exercise interventions on physical function in individuals with a current or previous diagnosis of
Eric Huynh1, Annabelle Clements1, Sydney Baumgarten1
1School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Purpose:
Evaluate the effects of virtual exercise interventions compared to no intervention or usual care on physical function in individuals with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer.
Methods:
Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, EMCARE, PsycINFO, AMED) were searched from inception to February 5th, 2025. Eligible studies evaluated virtual exercise interventions, compared to usual care or no intervention on physical function outcomes in adults (≥18 years) with current or previous cancer. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 and the GRADE tools were used to assess certainty of evidence.
Results:
Fifteen trials (n = 843) were included; 13 studies (n = 668) were synthesized quantitatively. Meta-analyses showed benefits of virtual exercise on upper body strength (SMD = 0.53, 95%CI [0.11, 0.94], p = 0.01), lower body strength (SMD = 0.53, 95%CI [0.14, 0.93], p = 0.009), gait-based measures (SMD = 0.65, 95%CI [0.06, 1.24], p = 0.03), chair-stand tests (SMD = 1.07, 95%CI [0.13, 2.01], p = 0.03), pain (SMD = 0.50, 95%CI [0.09, 0.91], p = 0.02), and fatigue (SMD = 0.70, 95% CI [0.44, 0.96], p < 0.001). No effect was observed on Short Physical Performance Battery scores (MD = 0.71, 95% CI [-0.52, 1.94], p = 0.26). Certainty of evidence of all outcomes were very low.
Conclusion:
Virtual exercise interventions may improve physical function and reduce barriers to exercise participation in individuals with cancer.
Registration:
PROSPERO:CRD42025639046.
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