Effects of excise traning on cancer-related fatigue in patients undergoing anticancer treatment: a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of excise training on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing anticancer treatment. Methods Eight databases (PubMed, Medline, Cochran Library, EMBASE, and four Chinese database) were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of excise training on CRF and QOL. The quality of literature was strictly evaluated and data extracted by 2 researchers. Meta-analysis was performed on randomized controlled trials that met the quality criteria. Results Nine RCTs involving 847 patients were included. Pooled results suggested that aerobic exercise can improve the QOL (SMD=1.17, P=0.002), alleviate the symptoms of CRF (SMD=-1.14, P=0.000 2), and also have a certain effect within 3-4 weeks after intervention (P < 0.05); resistance training or anti resistance exercise combined with aerobic exercise can not alleviate the patients′ cancer induced fatigue symptoms (SMD=-0.06, P=0.85), but it can improve the quality of life (SMD=0.39, P=0.002). Conclusion Patients with anticancer therapy should undergo aerobic exercise under the guidance of professional personnel to alleviate symptoms of cancer-related fatigue and improve their quality of life. Key words: Quality of life; Exercise; Anticancer therapy; Cancer-related fatigue