The role of physical activity in oral cancer recovery: a systematic review.
Lina Van Lint, Manon Lefever, Yolinne Meert et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined physical activity and recovery-related outcomes among people living with or beyond oral cancer. It included 24 studies spanning randomised trials, pilot trials, and cohort studies. Programs involved resistance training, aerobic exercise, or multimodal activity with education or behavioural support. Physical activity was associated with better functional performance, less fatigue, and moderate gains in health-related quality of life; resistance training also increased lean body mass and strength. Heterogeneity in interventions, outcome measures, and study quality prevented meta-analysis, so the findings indicate promise rather than a precise pooled estimate of benefit.
Key findings
- Across included studies, physical activity was associated with improved functional performance, reduced fatigue, and moderate health-related quality-of-life gains.
- Resistance training increased lean body mass and strength.
- Early-phase programs and programs lasting 12 to 24 weeks showed prominent effects.
- Supervised, individualized programs had higher adherence and better functional outcomes.
Why it matters
Oral cancer and its treatment can cause substantial functional impairment and morbidity. This review suggests that physical activity may support recovery across several patient-relevant outcomes, while indicating that program design and supervision may matter. The evidence remains difficult to compare, however, and does not establish a single optimal exercise approach or a reliable pooled estimate of benefit.
What to keep in mind
The review found substantial heterogeneity in protocols, outcome measures, and study quality, which limited comparability and precluded meta-analysis.