Benefits of Aerobic Exercise for Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Amira Hassan Bekhet,Doaa M Genena,Nermin A Osman,Ahmed Ramadan Abdallah,Ayman El Khatib,Rami Labib Abbas,Horeya M Ismail

doi:10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.11.3197

Abstract

Background:Physical exercise may be beneficial to breast cancer (BC) survivors. Here, we systematically summarized the effects of aerobic exercise in BC survivors. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods:We searched PubMed, Web of knowledge, Scopus, Cochrane Central, Virtual Health Library and PEDRO databases for relevant RCTs, comparing aerobic exercise with usual care among BC survivors. Data were extracted and evidence was synthesized narratively. Results:Twelve studies were included in this systematic review. Studies reported that aerobic exercise can significantly improve the quality of life in BC survivors. Moreover, aerobic exercise alleviated the symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, current evidence from the included studies showed that there was no significant benefit for aerobic exercise in terms of weight loss. Conclusion: Our study suggests that aerobic exercise is beneficial to BC survivors. Clinical Relevance:Aerobic exercise should be recommended in the therapeutic and rehabilitative regimens of BC survivors.

Highlights

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer worldwide and the most frequent cancer among women (25% of the overall cancer among women) with an increasing incidence in the last decade
We searched PubMed, Web of knowledge, Scopus, Cochrane Central, Virtual Health Library and PEDRO databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing aerobic exercise with usual care among breast cancer (BC) survivors
Our study suggests that aerobic exercise is beneficial to BC survivors

Summary

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer worldwide and the most frequent cancer among women (25% of the overall cancer among women) with an increasing incidence in the last decade. Previous research showed that exercise improves the QoL and lessens the symptoms of depression and anxiety in BC survivors (Segar et al, 1998). It was associated with benefits on muscle strength and body composition (Zhu et al, 2016). The American Cancer Society guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes on a weekly basis for exercise practicing. Studies reported that aerobic exercise can significantly improve the quality of life in BC survivors. Current evidence from the included studies showed that there was no significant benefit for aerobic exercise in terms of weight loss. Clinical Relevance: Aerobic exercise should be recommended in the therapeutic and rehabilitative regimens of BC survivors

Results

Discussion

Conclusion