Optimising exercise prescription for cancer-related fatigue, lean mass, physical function and muscle strength in women with breast cancer: a systematic review with dose-response network meta-analysis.
Pedro Lopez, Maria Petropoulou, Régis Radaelli et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and dose-response network meta-analysis evaluated the effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise on cancer-related fatigue, lean mass, physical function, and muscle strength in women with breast cancer. The analysis included 64 trials with 5156 participants. Combined exercise was found to be most effective for fatigue and lean mass, while resistance exercise was superior for physical function and muscle strength, with significant benefits observed at low exercise doses.
Key findings
- Combined exercise improved fatigue with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.23 at 18 METs.min/week.
- Lean mass increased significantly with combined exercise at 11 METs.min/week (SMD 0.30).
- Resistance exercise showed significant improvements in physical function and strength at 7-8 METs.min/week (SMD 0.23 and 0.24, respectively).
- Fatigue benefits plateaued at approximately 1428 METs.min/week for combined exercise.
Why it matters
Understanding the optimal exercise modalities and doses can help clinicians design effective rehabilitation programs for women with breast cancer, potentially improving their quality of life and physical capabilities during and after treatment.