Effects of Walking Combined With Resistance Band Exercises on Alleviating Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Abstract

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom, and exercise has shown potential in alleviating CRF. However, there is a need for diverse exercise options tailored to individual patient needs. To evaluate the overall effects of a combined walking and resistance band exercise intervention in relieving CRF among cancer patients through randomized controlled trials. Comprehensive searches were conducted in multiple databases to identify relevant studies up until March 2023. Inclusion criteria required the intervention to involve walking combined with elastic band training, with a clear exercise protocol description. The primary outcome was CRF, and secondary outcomes included walking steps, distance, mood distress, and quality of life. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Ten trials were included. The intervention group showed significant improvements in CRF (SMD, -0.40; 95% CI, -0.60 to -0.20), mood distress (SMD, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.53 to -0.07), and daily walking steps (SMD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.07-0.96) compared with the control group. Although the 6-Minute Walk Test and quality of life did not show significant differences, a trend toward improvement was observed in the intervention group. Adverse events related to the intervention were infrequent. A combined walking and resistance band exercise intervention can effectively alleviate CRF and improve mood distress and daily walking steps among cancer patients. This exercise option may provide an additional strategy to manage CRF. Further research is needed to explore the optimal exercise prescription for individual patients.