Exercise to Manage Fatigue During and After Chemotherapy in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Problem identification: There is a gap in knowledge about the efficacy of exercise in managing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) during and after chemotherapy.

Literature search: A systematic search was conducted in Scopus®, PubMed®, and CINAHL®, as well as citation searching, for studies about the impact of exercise on CRF in the AYA population. Abstract and full-text screening of 2,234 studies produced 15 studies for systematic review and 13 for meta-analysis.

Data evaluation: Effect size was calculated using standardized mean difference and confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess the impact of various exercise types on CRF. A meta-regression was performed using exercise frequency, intensity, and duration as predictors to determine relationships with effect size on CRF and adherence to exercise.

Synthesis: Exercise had a large effect size on CRF in AYAs. No difference in effect size estimates for exercise type subgroups was observed. A linear association was found between exercise duration and CRF (p = 0.005), and exercise intensity and adherence (p = 0.037).

Implications for practice: Exercise is effective in managing CRF among AYAs, and efforts should be aimed toward including it in routine oncologic care.