Physical activity reduces fatigue in patients with cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2017
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Sapna Oberoi, Paula D. Robinson, Danielle Cataudella, Nicole Culos-Reid, Hailey Davis, Nathan Duong, Faith Gibson, Miriam Götte, Pamela Hinds, Sanne L Nijhof, Deborah Tomlinson, Patrick van der Torre, Sandra Cabral, LLee Dupuis, Lillian Sung
PurposeObjective was to determine whether physical activity reduces the severity of fatigue in patients with cancer or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients.MethodsWe conducted a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing physical activity with control interventions for the management of fatigue in patients with cancer or HSCT recipients.ResultsThere were 170 trials included. Physical activity reduced the severity of fatigue when compared to all control groups (standardized mean difference −0.49, 95% confidence interval −0.60 to −0.37; P < 0.00001). Aerobic, neuromotor, resistance and combination exercises were all effective in reducing fatigue although smaller effects were observed with resistance exercises (P interaction = 0.01). Other intervention and patient characteristics did not influence the effect of physical activity on the severity of fatigue.ConclusionsPhysical activity was effective at reducing fatigue in patients with cancer and HSCT recipients across patient sub-groups. Determining the best approaches for safe implementation should be a priority.



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