Effect of physical exercise on muscle mass and strength in cancer patients during treatment—A systematic review

Abstract Cancer treatment and its side effects may cause muscle wasting. Physical exercise has the potential to increase muscle mass and strength and to improve physical function in cancer patients undergoing treatment. A systematic review was conducted to study the effect of physical exercise (aero...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Critical reviews in oncology/hematology 2013-12, Vol.88 (3), p.573-593
Main Authors: Stene, G.B, Helbostad, J.L, Balstad, T.R, Riphagen, I.I, Kaasa, S, Oldervoll, L.M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cachexia
Cancer
Exercise
Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine
Humans
Muscle mass
Muscle Strength
Muscle, Skeletal - anatomy & histology
Neoplasms - rehabilitation
Neoplasms - therapy
Organ Size
Physical exercise
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Abstract Cancer treatment and its side effects may cause muscle wasting. Physical exercise has the potential to increase muscle mass and strength and to improve physical function in cancer patients undergoing treatment. A systematic review was conducted to study the effect of physical exercise (aerobic, resistance or a combination of both) on muscle mass and strength in cancer patients with different type and stage of cancer disease. Electronic searches were performed up to January 11th 2012, identifying 16 randomised controlled trials for final data synthesis. The studies demonstrated that aerobic and resistance exercise improves upper and lower body muscle strength more than usual care. Few studies have assessed the effect of exercise on muscle mass. Most studies were performed in patients with early stage breast or prostate cancer. Evidence on the effect of physical exercise on muscle strength and mass in cancer patients with advanced disease is lacking. More exercise studies in patients with advanced cancer and at risk of cancer cachexia are warranted.
ISSN:1040-8428
1879-0461
DOI:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2013.07.001