Walking is more effective than yoga at reducing sleep disturbance in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

This review aimed to determine whether walking is more effective than yoga at improving sleep disturbance in cancer patients. A systematic search of randomized controlled trials was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Airiti Library, and other health-related databases. Twenty-five studies were identified with a total of 1918 participants. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index was the most commonly used outcome measurement tool, and moderate-intensity walking was the most frequently used intervention. The majority of the included subjects were breast cancer patients. Overall, walking significantly improved sleep disturbance compared to yoga (p = 0.01). Statistically significant moderators included adherence rate for walking (p < 0.001) and allocation concealment and outcome measurement tool for yoga (p = 0.04; p = 0.03). We concluded that walking is more effective than yoga in improving sleep disturbance in cancer patients. Thus, moderate-intensity walking is recommended for cancer patients with sleep disturbance.

Keywords: Cancer patients; Exercise; PSQI; Sleep disturbance.