Home-Based Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Interventions in Cancer Patients and Survivors: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Cancer is a chronic disease requiring long-term treatment. Exercise interventions are increasingly being recognized as an important part of treatment and supportive cancer care for patients and survivors. Previous reviews have evaluated the benefits of exercise interventions in populations of patients under supervision at a center, but none have explored the possibilities of a home-based (HB) approach in exercise during cancer rehabilitation and the period immediately following the end of cancer treatment. The aim of this descriptive systematic review was to identify the literature focusing on the health effects of HB exercise interventions in cancer survivors and to evaluate the methodological quality of the examined studies. Relevant studies were identified by a systematic search of PubMed and the Web of Science until January 2021. Nine randomized controlled trials were included. Most studies were on aerobic and resistance exercises, and the frequency, duration, intensity, and modality varied across the different interventions. Improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity (PA) levels, fatigue, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and body composition have been reported. However, all the studies were limited in methodology and the reporting of results. Nevertheless, the evidence in this new area, despite the methodological limitations of the studies, suggests that HB exercise interventions are feasible, and may provide physiological and psychological benefits for cancer survivors during the rehabilitation period. A methodologically rigorous design for future research is essential for making progress in this field of study.

Test/Retest Reliability and Validity of Remote vs. In-Person Anthropometric and Physical Performance Assessments in Cancer Survivors and Supportive Partners

“…As such, it represents a significant development for both observational and interventional studies that assess lifestyle factors, as well as associated health outcomes in this important patient population. Indeed, as lifestyle interventions among cancer survivors have developed over the years, there has been an ever-increasing trend to pursue home-based interventions [ 36 , 37 ], especially since time and travel are noted barriers to participation [ 23 , 24 ]. Tailored print and telephone-delivered interventions were employed and paved the way to web-based interventions that are scalable and able to reach cancer survivors living in close proximity to the clinic and those living more remotely; however, the means to assess these interventions have not kept step.…”

The efficiency of a mixed exercise program on quality of life and fatigue levels in patients with breast cancer

“…The fact that there were exercises in the fitness room in addition to home exercise in the study eliminated the possible limitations of only home exercises. While going to the fitness center provided motivation with one-to-one interaction, it contributed to supervised exercise and allowed social interaction 22 .…”

Effect of Physical Therapy Modalities on Quality of Life of Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…In contrast and, according to this review, an excellent adherence rate (approximately 93%) was registered in all exercise programs [58,59,[62][63][64][65]. A proposal for active telerehabilitation, based on feedback technology and face-to-face contact and designed with patients' perspectives in mind, would be more appropriate to involve patients in treatment [77,78] and possibly reach a greater level of significance.…”