Table 2.
Systematic reviews of physical activity in cancer survivors, published 2004-2008
| Study | Studies reviewed | Authors' conclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Kirshbaum, 2007[66] | Systematic review of 29 intervention and observational studies in breast cancer survivors | Affirmation of the central proposition that exercise seems to be beneficial and safe for a variety of breast cancer patients continues. |
| Markes et al. 2006[67] | Systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 controlled trials in breast cancer survivors during adjuvant therapy | Improvement can be expected in physical fitness and the resulting capacity for performing activities of daily life. An improvement for other outcomes is still tenable. |
| McNeely et al. 2006[68] | Systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized trials in breast cancer survivors | Exercise is an effective intervention to improve quality of life, cardio respiratory fitness, physical functioning, and fatigue. |
| Conn et al. 2006[69] | Systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 intervention studies in cancer survivors | Exercise interventions resulted in small positive effects on health and wellbeing outcomes. |
| Schmitz et al. 2005[70] | Systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 controlled trials in cancer survivors | Physical activity improves cardio respiratory fitness during and after cancer treatment, symptoms and physiologic effects during treatment, and vigor post-treatment. |
| Knols et al. 2005[71] | Systematic review of 34 controlled trials in cancer survivors | Cancer patients may benefit from physical exercise both during and after treatment. |
| Douglas, 2005[72] | Systematic review of 21 intervention studies in cancer survivors | There is a growing body of evidence to justify the inclusion of exercise programs in the rehabilitation of cancer patients returning to health after treatment. |
| Galvao and Newton, 2005[73] | Systematic review of 26 intervention studies in cancer survivors | Preliminary positive physiologic and psychological benefits from exercise when undertaken during or after traditional cancer treatment. |
| Stevinson et al. 2004[74] | Systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 controlled trials in cancer survivors | Exercise interventions for cancer patients can lead to moderate increases in physical function and are not associated with increased symptoms of fatigue. |
| Oldervoll et al. 2004[75] | Systematic review of 12 randomized controlled trials in cancer survivors | Cancer patients benefit from maintaining physical activity balanced with efficient rest periods |