Exercise effects on fatigue in breast cancer survivors after treatments: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Aim The aim of this study is to explore the effects of exercise interventions by type, duration and intensity of exercise for fatigue in breast cancer survivors who had completed their treatment. Background Most studies found that exercise has valuable outcomes for cancer survivors. This meta‐analysis comprehensively summarizes the benefits of exercise intervention for fatigue in breast cancer patients who had completed their adjuvant treatments. Methods We conducted a meta‐analysis on randomized control trials published during 1 January 2000 through 31 December 2019, from PubMed, Cochrane Library databases, EMBASE, Medline (ProQuest), CINAHL, PsycINFO, Chinese Electronic Periodical Service and Wan Fan Data with prespecified searching criteria. Breast cancer patients earlier than stage IIIc and completing adjuvant treatments were included, and the effects of exercise on fatigue were investigated. Results Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included (N = 581). Patients receiving exercise interventions showed reduced fatigue comparing with those without exercise. Exercise with low–moderate intensity, 20 min/day, three times per week and lasting up to 12 weeks had a significant effect on reducing fatigue for breast cancer survivors. Conclusion Our study suggested that exercise interventions can reduce fatigue for this group of cancer survivors. The duration and intensity of exercise intervention could be prescribed for this specific group of cancer patients as a basic requirement to handle their reported fatigue. Summary statement What is already known about this topic? Previous meta‐analysis has shown that exercise interventions can affect fatigue in breast cancer survivors during and after their adjuvant treatment. What this paper adds? Exercise at a low to moderate intensity, 20 min/day, three times per week, at 12‐week follow‐up reduced fatigue for breast cancer survivors who completed adjuvant treatment. The intensity of exercise interventions could be included in guidelines, to help patients in handling their reported fatigue. The implications of this paper: Findings support the positive effects of exercise interventions in reducing fatigue in women with breast cancer, suggesting that health‐care professionals and nurses may consider including exercise programmes into management plans for this population.