Benefits of strength and resistance exercise in cancer patients: a systematic review of clinical trials

Authors

  • Sofiya Anishchenko-Halkina Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Enfermería. Universidad de Murcia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4336-3422
  • Noor Jahan Chaowdhary Beauty Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Enfermería. Universidad de Murcia
  • María Teresa Gil-Gallego Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Enfermería. Universidad de Murcia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6794-9163
  • Marina Lorenzo-Quijada Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Enfermería. Universidad de Murcia
  • Guillermo Doménech-Asensi Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Enfermería. Universidad de Murcia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4257-753X
  • Teresa Sánchez-Moya Departamento de Tecnología de los alimentos, Nutrición y Bromatología. Facultad de Ciencias Socio Sanitarias. Universidad de Murcia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1733-945X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v61.107988

Keywords:

cancer, strength training, resistance training, quality of life, neoplasms, exercise

Abstract

Objectives: This review aims to provide a thorough examination of the impact of strength and resistance training on cancer patients, specifically addressing quality of life, cancer- related fatigue, and physical and psychological function. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the methodological rigor of existing studies and identify areas for future research. Methods: A systematic review of clinical trials, according to PRISMA 2020 criteria, of PubMed, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 2019 and 2024. Studies assessing the effects of resistance training on cancer patients' outcomes and available in English or Spanish were included. Data synthesis and analysis were performed to summarize key findings and assess the overall quality of evidence. Results: The findings consistently demonstrated the positive effects of resistance training on enhancing quality of life and mitigating cancer-related fatigue across different situations. However, methodological variability and limitations, such as small sample sizes and intervention heterogeneity, were noted, highlighting the need for standardized protocols and larger-scale trials. Conclusion: This review underscores the potential of strength and resistance training as a valuable adjunctive therapy for cancer patients, emphasiz-ing its role in improving both physical and psychological.

Keywords: cancer, strength training, resistance training, quality of life, neoplasms, exercise.

 

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Published

2024-10-02

How to Cite

Anishchenko-Halkina, S., Chaowdhary Beauty, N. J., Gil-Gallego, M. T., Lorenzo-Quijada, M., Doménech-Asensi, G., & Sánchez-Moya, T. (2024). Benefits of strength and resistance exercise in cancer patients: a systematic review of clinical trials. Retos, 61, 518–527. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v61.107988

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Section

Theoretical systematic reviews and/or meta-analysis