Physical Activity Mitigates Negative Effects of Cancer Treatments, New Review Reveals

Recent findings published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine indicate that engaging in physical exercise can alleviate some of the harmful side effects associated with cancer treatments, including damage to the heart and nerves, as well as cognitive impairments like brain fog.

The review highlights that physical activity not only enhances psychological health but also improves overall quality of life for cancer patients, suggesting that it should be an integral part of treatment protocols.

A series of pooled data analyses have examined the role of exercise in influencing health outcomes for individuals with cancer, yet substantial gaps persist in the existing body of knowledge. The researchers note that a comprehensive evaluation of previously conducted studies on exercise and its health effects across various cancer types has not been published until now.

To address this gap and strengthen the evidence base for clinical practice, the researchers conducted an umbrella review of randomized controlled trials that were published from 2012 through July 2024. This review encompassed 485 associations drawn from 80 articles, all deemed to be of moderate to high quality.

The types of exercise included in the analyses varied widely--encompassing mind-body exercises such as yoga, Qigong, and tai chi (138 associations accounting for 28.5%); aerobic and resistance training (48 associations, 10%); high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (18 associations, 4%); and other forms of exercise (281 associations, 59%).

Among the cancers studied, breast cancer accounted for the largest portion (244 associations, 50%), followed by lung cancer (47 associations, 10%), digestive system cancers (20 associations, 4%), blood cancers (13 associations, 3%), prostate cancer (12 associations, 2.5%), and a variety of other cancers (149 associations, 31%).

Of the associations evaluated, 260 (54%) were found to be statistically significant, with 81 (17%) and 152 (31%) yielding high and moderate certainty evidence, respectively, as assessed by GRADE criteria, which evaluates the strength and credibility of scientific evidence.

The findings suggest that exercise significantly reduces several side effects related to cancer and its treatment compared to standard care or no exercise at all. Specifically, it has been shown to decrease heart and peripheral nerve damage caused by chemotherapy, alleviate cognitive impairments, and lessen shortness of breath. Moreover, it positively influences body composition and key physiological indicators such as insulin levels, insulin-like growth factor, and C-reactive protein.

Beyond physical benefits, exercise was associated with improvements in sleep quality, psychological health, bodily functions, and social engagement, ultimately leading to a better quality of life. High to moderate certainty evidence indicates that engaging in exercise prior to surgery can lower the risk of postoperative complications, pain, length of hospital stays, and mortality rates.

However, the researchers acknowledged certain limitations within their study. The diversity in the pooled data analyses--particularly with regard to the number of studies included--was notable. Additionally, individuals with cancer who are able to engage in exercise may be inherently healthier, and the side effects of cancer treatment can vary widely based on cancer type and stage.

In conclusion, the researchers advocate for the inclusion of mind-body exercises in the guidelines for cancer patient care, suggesting that future high-quality studies are necessary to explore further outcomes, clarify mechanisms at play, and tailor exercise prescriptions to specific cancer types, treatment timelines, exercise modalities, and individual patient characteristics.