Resistance Training in Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review summarizes the research of previous studies that used resistance training in the post-treatment phase of cancer patients with a focus on methodological quality, training methods and physical outcome measures. We found twenty-four studies (10 RCTs, 4 controlled clinical trials and 10 uncontrolled trials) that met all inclusion criteria. The studies were of moderate methodological quality. The majority of studies involved breast cancer patients (54%), followed by prostate cancer patients (13%). Most studies used a combination of resistance and aerobic training, which was mostly supervised. Resistance training involved large muscle groups, with 1-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions. The duration of the resistance training programs varied from 3-24 weeks, with a training frequency of 1-5 sessions per week. The training intensity ranged from 25% to 85% of the one-repetition maximum. Overall, positive training effects were observed for cardiopulmonary and muscle function, with significant increases in peak oxygen uptake (range: 6-39%), and in the one-repetition maximum (range: 11-110%). In general, there were no effects of training on body composition, endocrine and immune function, and haematological variables. No adverse effects of the resistance training were reported. Based upon these results, we recommend to incorporate resistance training in cancer rehabilitation programmes.

Exercise in patients coping with breast cancer: An overview

“…Types of exercises studied in breast cancer patients range from regular aerobic exercise to such activities as Tai Chi [16,17,42] . The most frequently studied in these patient populations are aerobic exercises (i.e., group, home, walking, and cycling), resistive exercises, and special types of exercise like Pilates, Tai Chi, and Yoga [17,[42][43][44] . Exercise regimens can be prescribed as either group exercises instructed by a trainer or self-practiced home exercises.…”

Impact of an exercise programme on sustaining physical activity for recovering cancer patients: A qualitative study.

“…To date, the design of exercise interventions have tended to focus on single cancer sites [9,20] or structured exercise [21]. Programmes are often primarily focused on structured exercise to elicit improvement in components of physical fitness [22].…”

Oncology Rehabilitation Provision and Practice Patterns across Canada

“…The majority of programmes include education and aerobic exercise, but only one-third of respondents identified strength training as part of the rehabilitation programme, despite evidence supporting its effectiveness in symptom management. 3,[20][21][22] Moreover, none of the programmes reported including selfmanagement as a component of oncology rehabilitation, despite the evidence that supports its use as a strategy to facilitate health-promoting behaviours. 7,9-12 These findings underscore the need to increase awareness of the potential benefits of oncology rehabilitation in addressing the unique needs of people across the cancer continuum.…”

“…7,9-12 Notably, physiotherapists appear to be involved in providing and delivering most of the oncology rehabilitation programmes available, in addition to speech language pathologists, dieticians, nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers. Working within a multidisciplinary oncology rehabilitation team, physiotherapists can contribute their expertise in delivering aerobic exercise, strength training, and education, 3,20,21 as well as specialized techniques such as lymphatic drainage.…”

“…7,[9][10][11][12] Combining various components of rehabilitation to provide a comprehensive programme may play an important role in the health and wellness of people diagnosed with cancer. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] In particular, aerobic exercise, strength training, 3,[20][21][22] and education 23,24 on health-promoting behaviours 7,[9][10][11][12] have been shown to ameliorate the symptoms of cancer and its treatment.…”