Researchers Recommend Exercise as Adjunctive Therapy to Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Those With Cancer

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that exercise therapy is an effective adjunctive therapy to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF; primary endpoint) in patients with cancer.  

Researchers conducted a systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane Library to identify 48 randomized, controlled trials comparing exercise therapy (n=1,990) versus a non-exercise control group (n=1,642).  

Effect of exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with cancer https://t.co/2gWe542IW0 #SurvOnc #SuppOnc pic.twitter.com/tWtgLMB14V

— Journal of Clinical Oncology (@JCO_ASCO) June 17, 2018

Exercise therapy was associated with a significant increase in CRF (+2.80 mL O2 × kg−1 × min−1) compared with no change (+0.02 mL O2 × kg−1 × min−1) in the control group (95% CI 1.58-2.67; P<0.001). Of the trials included, 30 (63%) monitored adverse events, of which 44 were reported.  

Efficacy of Exercise Therapy on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://t.co/RVhzx0hUPW

— Marcas Bamman, PhD (@MarcasBamman) June 16, 2018

“Our findings support the recommendation of exercise therapy for patients with adult-onset cancer,” the researchers concluded. 

Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology