Systematic Review of Exercise Effects on Health Outcomes in Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Exercise is commonly recommended to women after breast cancer surgery, yet it is difficult for patients and health professionals to adopt safe and beneficial types and modes of exercise. Thus studies on exercise interventions targeting women with breast cancer treatment were systematically reviewed.

Methods

The review process and quality assessment of the studies followed the guideline of the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency. Relevant studies were obtained from electronic databases, and two trained reviewers independently analyzed the studies. Of the 902 articles sorted, 11 were selected. Then, quality assessment for each study was carried out with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) checklist.

Results

Seven different types of exercise interventions were identified from 3 quasi-experimental and 8 randomized controlled trial studies. The interventions varied in duration from several days to 13 weeks, and tended to show significant effects on psychological outcomes and upper body functions within a short-term period and were effective in alleviating lymphedema at a longer 1-year point. Supervised, professional intervention had significant effects on health indicators and a higher adherence rate.

Conclusion

Well-designed exercises are effective and beneficial for improving women's physical, physiological, and psychological health outcomes after breast cancer treatment as well as to facilitate changes in exercise behaviors. The feasibility of applying intervention protocols, efficiency of interventions, and strengths of exercise protocols should be further examined.