Abstract
Abstract Breast cancer survivors often face physical and psychological complications post-chemoradiotherapy, including fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, and reduced quality of life (QoL). This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation in improving functionality and QoL in breast cancer survivors. Databases such as MEDLINE, PEDro, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL Complete were searched for studies published between January 2014 and August 2024. The methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and bias was evaluated with the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Evidence certainty was determined via the GRADE framework. The intervention significantly reduced fatigue (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.60 to −0.40, P < 0.00001). However, no significant effect was observed for aerobic capacity (VO2 max) (SMD = −0.06, 95% CI: −0.58–0.46; P = 0.83), though long-term interventions showed slight improvements. Muscle strength significantly increased (SMD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.17–1.87, P = 0.02), with gains in both upper and lower limbs. Pain outcomes were mixed, with long-term interventions showing a small but significant reduction (SMD = −0.35, 95% CI: −0.69 to −0.02, P = 0.05). QoL significantly improved (SMD = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.42–1.46, P = 0.0004), with long-term interventions showing greater effects (SMD = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.34–2.15, P = 0.007). In conclusion, exercise-based rehabilitation reduces fatigue, improves muscle strength, and enhances QoL. Standardized protocols are needed to generalize benefits across broader populations. that these benefits can be generalized across broader populations. Further research should focus on developing tailored and standardized exercise regimens to maximize patient outcomes.
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