The effects of aerobic and resistance training across eight cancer types: a systematic review

Patients with cancer often experience declines in quality of life (QoL), functional capacity, psychosocial health, and body composition, alongside cancer-related fatigue. Aerobic and resistance exercise interventions have shown potential in mitigating these effects. This review evaluated the impact of such interventions on QoL, fatigue, body composition, functional capacity, and psychosocial health across both the commonly studied cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal, as well as the less-studied types, including lymphoma, ovarian, multiple myeloma and head and neck cancers.

Systematic searches were conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and EBSCOhost, identified 25 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from an initial 18,116 studies. The 25 RCTs were assessed using the TESTEX scale and PRISMA guidelines.

Aerobic and/or resistance training showed to provide beneficial improvements in a number of measures during and after cancer treatment across  cancer types. Qulity of life improved in 12 (of 13) trials that reported QoL. , There was a reported reduction in cancer-related fatigue in 9 (out of 10 ) studies that reported this measure. Significant enhancements in lean body mass and fat mass, were found in 6 of 8 trials that reported body composition. Functional capacity improved in 7 of 12 trials that reported this variable. Psychosocial outcomes showed mixed results, with significant improvements reported in 2 out of 7 trials that measured depression and anxiety. Moderate-intensity exercise, performed three times per week, demonstrated the most consistent benefits. Specific improvements from exercise were found in patients suffering from breast, prostate, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, colorectal, lung, and head and neck cancer. There was a notable lack of trials meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria that specifically focused on ovarian cancer patients.

Structured aerobic and resistance exercise showed to significantly improve QoL, fatigue, body composition, and functional capacity in cancer patients. Integrating tailored exercise into cancer rehabilitation can enhance recovery. Future trials should aim to standardise outcome measures and improve adherence across diverse cancer populations.