Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercise Models on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To assess and compare the effectiveness of different exercise modalities in reducing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Exercise intensities for selected exercise types were also compared.

Data sources: We conducted a search in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science from inception to October 15, 2021.

Study selection: Randomized controlled trials concerning the effectiveness of exercise modalities on CRF in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy were included.

Data extraction: Study characteristics were extracted using a structured protocol. Methodological quality was assessed employing the PEDro scale and risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials. The certainty of evidence was assessed based on Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. The measure of effect used was the adjusted standardized mean difference (SMD) or Hedge's g, together with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Data synthesis: Forty-seven studies were included. Data were pooled employing a random-effects model. There was a trend that adding low-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise (SMD=1.28, 95% CI -0.18; 2.75, P=.086), or moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise (SMD=0.85; 95% CI -0.12; 1.82, P=.087), was more effective than adding flexibility training to usual care (UC). There was also a trend that UC alone was less effective than adding moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise (SMD=-0.47, 95% CI -0.96, 0.02, P=.060) to UC.

Conclusions: The addition of low- to moderate-intensity aerobic and/or resistance exercise demonstrated a positive trend for improvement in CRF in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, when compared with UC alone or UC with flexibility training.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Exercise therapy; Fatigue; Medical oncology; Rehabilitation.