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A meta-analysis of exercise interventions among people treated for cancer

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Supportive Care in Cancer Aims and scope Submit manuscript

An Erratum to this article was published on 08 September 2007

Abstract

Goal

This review applied meta-analytic procedures to integrate primary research findings that tested exercise interventions among people treated for cancer.

Methods

Extensive literature searching strategies located published and unpublished intervention studies that tested exercise interventions with at least five participants (k=30). Primary study results were coded. Meta-analytic procedures were conducted.

Main results

The overall weighted mean effect size (ES) for two-group comparisons was 0.52 (higher mean for treatment than control) for physical function, 0.35 for symptoms other than fatigue, and 0.27 for body composition. More modest positive ESs were documented for mood (0.19), quality of life (0.14), fatigue (0.11), and exercise behavior (0.04). ESs were larger among single-group pre–post design studies. ESs among control group participants were typically negative and not (statistically) significantly different from 0.

Conclusions

Exercise interventions resulted in small positive effects on health and well-being outcomes among existing studies. Future research should examine intervention-specific characteristics that result in optimal results, such as dose.

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Acknowledgements

Financial support provided by a grant from the NIH NINR (RO1NR07870) to Vicki Conn, principal investigator.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. S317 School of Nursing, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA

    Vicki S. Conn

  2. 28 McAlester Hall, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA

    Adam R. Hafdahl

  3. Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham Education Center, University of Nottingham, NG7 2HA, Nottingham, UK

    Davina C. Porock

  4. S410 School of Nursing, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA

    Roxanne McDaniel

  5. Biochemistry Department, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA

    Paul J. Nielsen

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  1. Vicki S. Conn
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  2. Adam R. Hafdahl
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  3. Davina C. Porock
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  4. Roxanne McDaniel
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  5. Paul J. Nielsen
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Correspondence to Vicki S. Conn.

Additional information

An erratum to this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0326-8.

Footnote

Footnote

Unpublished studies in the meta-analyses included the following:

Christopher KA, Morrow L (2003) Evaluating a community-based exercise program for women cancer survivors. Unpublished Data

Djuric Z, DiLaura NM, Bradley E, Hryniuk W (2003) Weight loss intervention in African American breast cancer survivors. Presented at American Society of Preventive Oncology

Durak E, Lilly PC (2003) Effects of an out-patient exercise and wellness program on cancer patients: 1st year outcomes. Paper presented at the American College of Sports Medicine

Hall JL (1998) Psychological interventions for exercise and dietary behavior change with breast cancer survivors. Dissertation, Temple University, US

Hansen G (1997) Quality of life, physical activity, and rehabilitation of women treated for breast cancer. Unpublished masters thesis, Norweigian University of Sport and Physical Education

Kollman MA, Burnham TR, Sims C, Tuttle J (2003) Low to moderate intensity aerobic exercise improves quality of life in cancer survivors. Unpublished data

Kramer MM (1996) The effects of exercise on psychological well-being in women recovering from breast cancer. Dissertation, Arizona State University, US

Pfalzer LA (1989) The responses of bone marrow transplant patients to graded exercise testing prior to transplant and after transplant with and without exercise training. Unpublished dissertation, Ohio State University

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Conn, V.S., Hafdahl, A.R., Porock, D.C. et al. A meta-analysis of exercise interventions among people treated for cancer. Support Care Cancer 14, 699–712 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-005-0905-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-005-0905-5

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