Effects and benefits of strength training in cancer patients: a systematic review of the literature
Keywords:
Cancer, Strength, Exercise, Fatigue, Quality Of Life, Pain.Abstract
Introduction: cancer is among the diseases having the greatest mortality rates and the cause of many disabilities worldwide. The practice of exercise is developed as an adjuvant therapy along with the cancer treatment to reduce mortality and disability in the different types of cancer.
Objective: to identify the effects of strength training on cancer patients.
Methods: a complete review of the medical literature was conducted until December 2018, scientific articles published in indexed bases from 2015 to 2018. The studies included were in population over 18 years old with cancer diagnosis regardless of sociodemographic characteristics, type or stage of cancer. The data extracted were on the population, intervention and control groups, type of cancer, period, frequency of intervention and results.
Results: during the first search 36071 titles of clinical study were found in specialized journals. 10 experimental studies were chosen. Multiple positive effects were found, as well as components that should be taken into account when performing strength training on cancer patients or cancer survivors.
Conclusions: strength training in patients with cancer or survivors of this disease, helps them to improve their symptoms as well as their quality of life, strength, improved mobility and pain, among others. Also, strength training is beneficial to patients without causing adverse effects or long-term complications.
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References
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18. Moseley AM, Herbert RD, Sherrington C. Evidence for physiotherapy practice: a survey of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Aust J Physiother [Internet]. 2002 [citado 11/04/2020]; 48(1):43-9. Disponible en: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0004951414602816?via%3Dihub
19. Ammitzbøll G, Lanng C, Kroman N. Progressive strength training to prevent LYmphoedema in the first year after breast Cancer – the LYCA feasibility study. Acta Oncologica [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]; 56(2):1–8. Disponible en: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0284186X.2016.1268266
20. Capozzi L, Boldt K, Lau H. A clinic-supported group exercise program for head and neck cancer survivors: managing cancer and treatment side effects to improve quality of life. Support Care Cancer [Internet]. 2015 [citado 11/04/2020]; 23:1001–1007. Disponible en: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-014-2436-4
21. Fernáncez A, De Paz F. Effects of a combined strength and high-intensity aerobic exercise program in breast cancer survivors: A pilot study. Apunts Medicina de l’Esport [Internet]. 2015 [citado 11/04/2020]; 51(189):1–10. Disponible en: https://www.apunts.org/en-effects-combined-strength-high-intensity-aerobic-articulo-S1886658115000420
22. Hagstrom A, Shorter K, Marshall P. Changes in unilateral upper limb muscular strength and EMG activity following a 16 weeks’ strength training intervention survivors of breast cancer. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]; 33(1):[aprox. 8 p.]. Disponible en: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/2019/01000/Changes_in_Unilateral_Upper_Limb_Muscular_Strength.27.aspx
23. Ibrahim M, Muanza T, Smirnow N. The long-term effects of posttreatment exercise on pain in young women with breast cancer. Clinical Breast Cancer [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]; 16(3): [aprox. 6p.]. Disponible en: https://www.mdedge.com/hematology-oncology/article/168561/breast-cancer/long-term-effects-posttreatment-exercise-pain-young
24. Irwin M, Cartmel B, Gross C, Ercolano E, Li F, Yao X, et al. Randomized Exercise Trial of Aromatase Inhibitor – Induced Arthralgia in Breast Cancer Survivors. Journal of Clinical Oncology [Internet]. 2015 [citado 11/04/2020]; 33:(10):1104–1111. Disponible en: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4372849/pdf/zlj1104.pdf
25. Luca V, De Minganti C, Borrione P. Effects of concurrent aerobic and strength training on breast cancer survivors: a pilot study. Public Health [Internet]. 2016 [citado 11/04/2020]; 136:4–10. Disponible en: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0033350616300154?via%3Dihub
26. Nilsen T, Thorsen L, Fosså S. Effects of strength training on muscle cellular outcomes in prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy. Scandinavian Journal Medicine Science Sports [Internet]. 2015 [citado 11/04/2020]; 26(9):1–10. Disponible en: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sms.12543
27. Waldemar S, Laszlo R, Otto S. Feasibility and effects of a combined adjuvant high-intensity interval / strength training in breast cancer patients: a single-center pilot study. Disability and Rehabilitation [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]; 40(13):1-9. Disponible en: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09638288.2017.1300688
28. Winters-stone K, Lyons K, Dobek J, Dieckmann N, Bennett J, Nail L, et al. Benefits of partnered strength training for prostate cancer survivors and spouses: results from a randomized controlled trial of the Exercising Together project. Journal of Cancer Survivorship [Internet]. 2016 [citado 11/04/2020]; 10:633–644. Disponible en: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11764-015-0509-0
29. Tomlinson D, Diorio C, Beyene J, Sung L. Effect of exercise on cancer-related fatigue: a meta-analysis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil [Internet]. 2014 [citado 11/04/2020]; 93:675-86. Disponible en: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24743466
30. Ferrer RA, Huedo-Medina TB, Johnson BT. Exercise interventions for cancer survivors: A meta-analysis of quality of life out-comes. Ann Behav Med. [Internet]. 2011 [citado 11/04/2020]; 41:32-47. Disponible en: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3712334/pdf/nihms255243.pdf
31. Meneses-Echávez JF, González-Jiménez E, Correa-Bautista JE, Schmidt-Río J, Ramírez-Vélez R. Efectividad del ejercicio físico en la fatiga de pacientes con cáncer durante el tratamiento activo: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. Revista Cad. Saúde Pública. 2015 [citado 14/05/2020]; 31(4):667-681. Disponible en: https://www.scielo.br/pdf/csp/v31n4/0102-311X-csp-31-04-00667.pdf
2. Gutiérrez RC, Sánchez JE, Gaona, J, Absalón AE, Herrera SE. El cáncer de próstata y un virus oncolítico como alternativa de tratamiento. Salud Jalisco [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]; 4(3):192-200. Disponible en: https://www.medigraphic.com/pdfs/saljalisco/sj-2017/sj173g.pdf
3. Pérez LE, Rodríguez O, Morales M, Amores A, Jaime L, Pérez A. Cáncer de pulmón: aspectos clínicos y diagnósticos en pacientes afectados del Policlínico “Marta Abreu”. Estudio de cinco años. Acta Médica del Centro [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]; 11(3):49-56. Disponible en: http://www.revactamedicacentro.sld.cu/index.php/amc/article/view/833
4. López LG, Ruiz CA, Castaño AP. Numerical simulation of tumor growth and cell migration in 1d and 2d. Revista Argentina de Bioingeniería [Internet]. 2018 [citado 11/04/2020]; 22(1):60-66. Disponible en: http://revista.sabi.org.ar/index.php/revista/article/view/113
5. Instituto Nacional de Cáncer. Tipos de Cáncer [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]. Disponible en: https://www.cancer.gov/espanol
6. Stewart BW, Wild CP. World Cancer Report. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. 2014 [citado 11/04/2020]; World Health Organization [Internet]. 630. Disponible en: https://publications.iarc.fr/Non-Series-Publications/World-Cancer-Reports/World-Cancer-Report-2014
7. Jurado D, Mercedes L, Cerón C, Guerrero N, Yépez M. Hábitos de vida y cáncer colorrectal: Un estudio de casos y controles en una población de ingresos medios y bajos. Revista Universidad y Salud [Internet]. 2015 [citado 11/04/2020]; 17(1):7-17. Disponible en: http://www.scielo.org.co/pdf/reus/v17n1/v17n1a02.pdf
8. Mejías AP. Cáncer de páncreas, un reto al sistema sanitario. Arch. Méd. Camagüey. [Internet]. 2018 [citado 11/04/2020]; 22(5):678-694. Disponible en: http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1025-02552018000500847
9. Instituto Nacional de Cáncer. ¿Qué es el cáncer? [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]; Disponible en: https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/cancer/naturaleza/que-es
10. Soto W. Cáncer de mama. Rev Méd Costa Rica y Centroam [Internet]. 2016 [citado 11/04/2020]; 72(617):799-802. Disponible en: https://www.binasss.sa.cr/revistas/rmcc/617/art20.pdf
11. Rosen L, Rosen G. American Cancer Society [Internet]. Leucemia. 2018 [citado 11/04/2020]; Disponible en: https://www.cancer.org/es/cancer/leucemia.html
12. Martínez LM, Jaramillo L, Álvarez L. Enfermedad Mínima Residual en leucemia: rompiendo el paradigma de remisión completa. Revista Cubana de Hematología, Inmunología y Hemoterapia [Internet]. 2018 [citado 11/04/2020]; 34(1):21-32. Disponible en: http://www.revhematologia.sld.cu/index.php/hih/article/view/881/766
13. Domínguez R, Garnacho M, Maté JL. Efectos del entrenamiento contra resistencias o resistance training en diversas patologías. Nutrición Hospitalaria [Internet]. 2016 [citado 11/04/2020]; 33(3):719-733. Disponible en: http://scielo.isciii.es/pdf/nh/v33n3/32_revision1.pdf
14. Álvarez O, Estrada M. La fuerza, concepciones y entrenamiento dentro del deporte moderno Universidad & Ciencia [Internet]. 2019 [citado 11/04/2020]; 8(1):203-213. Disponible en: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/bbad/2ecb4cb8b73894ac1687b8638888fe1f9deb.pdf?_ga=2.251635462.1242349533.1589207712-652713347.1588944332
15. Liberati A, Altman DG, Tetzlaff J, Mulrow C, Cotzsche P, Loannidis J, et al. The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate healthcare interventions: explanation and elaboration. BMJ [Internet]. 2009 [citado 11/04/2020]; 339:b2700. Disponible en: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2707010/pdf/pmed.1000100.pdf
16. Santos C, Pimenta C, Nobre, M. The PICO strategy for the research question construction and evidence search. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem [Internet]. 2007 [citado 11/04/2020]; 15(3):508–511. Disponible en: https://www.scielo.br/pdf/rlae/v15n3/es_v15n3a23.pdf
17. Maher CG, Sherrington C, Herbert RD, Moseley AM, Elkins M. Reliability of the PEDro scale for rating quality of randomized controlled trials. Phys Ther. [Internet]. 2003 [citado 11/04/2020]; 83(8): 713-21. Disponible en: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12882612
18. Moseley AM, Herbert RD, Sherrington C. Evidence for physiotherapy practice: a survey of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Aust J Physiother [Internet]. 2002 [citado 11/04/2020]; 48(1):43-9. Disponible en: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0004951414602816?via%3Dihub
19. Ammitzbøll G, Lanng C, Kroman N. Progressive strength training to prevent LYmphoedema in the first year after breast Cancer – the LYCA feasibility study. Acta Oncologica [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]; 56(2):1–8. Disponible en: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0284186X.2016.1268266
20. Capozzi L, Boldt K, Lau H. A clinic-supported group exercise program for head and neck cancer survivors: managing cancer and treatment side effects to improve quality of life. Support Care Cancer [Internet]. 2015 [citado 11/04/2020]; 23:1001–1007. Disponible en: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-014-2436-4
21. Fernáncez A, De Paz F. Effects of a combined strength and high-intensity aerobic exercise program in breast cancer survivors: A pilot study. Apunts Medicina de l’Esport [Internet]. 2015 [citado 11/04/2020]; 51(189):1–10. Disponible en: https://www.apunts.org/en-effects-combined-strength-high-intensity-aerobic-articulo-S1886658115000420
22. Hagstrom A, Shorter K, Marshall P. Changes in unilateral upper limb muscular strength and EMG activity following a 16 weeks’ strength training intervention survivors of breast cancer. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]; 33(1):[aprox. 8 p.]. Disponible en: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/2019/01000/Changes_in_Unilateral_Upper_Limb_Muscular_Strength.27.aspx
23. Ibrahim M, Muanza T, Smirnow N. The long-term effects of posttreatment exercise on pain in young women with breast cancer. Clinical Breast Cancer [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]; 16(3): [aprox. 6p.]. Disponible en: https://www.mdedge.com/hematology-oncology/article/168561/breast-cancer/long-term-effects-posttreatment-exercise-pain-young
24. Irwin M, Cartmel B, Gross C, Ercolano E, Li F, Yao X, et al. Randomized Exercise Trial of Aromatase Inhibitor – Induced Arthralgia in Breast Cancer Survivors. Journal of Clinical Oncology [Internet]. 2015 [citado 11/04/2020]; 33:(10):1104–1111. Disponible en: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4372849/pdf/zlj1104.pdf
25. Luca V, De Minganti C, Borrione P. Effects of concurrent aerobic and strength training on breast cancer survivors: a pilot study. Public Health [Internet]. 2016 [citado 11/04/2020]; 136:4–10. Disponible en: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0033350616300154?via%3Dihub
26. Nilsen T, Thorsen L, Fosså S. Effects of strength training on muscle cellular outcomes in prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy. Scandinavian Journal Medicine Science Sports [Internet]. 2015 [citado 11/04/2020]; 26(9):1–10. Disponible en: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sms.12543
27. Waldemar S, Laszlo R, Otto S. Feasibility and effects of a combined adjuvant high-intensity interval / strength training in breast cancer patients: a single-center pilot study. Disability and Rehabilitation [Internet]. 2017 [citado 11/04/2020]; 40(13):1-9. Disponible en: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09638288.2017.1300688
28. Winters-stone K, Lyons K, Dobek J, Dieckmann N, Bennett J, Nail L, et al. Benefits of partnered strength training for prostate cancer survivors and spouses: results from a randomized controlled trial of the Exercising Together project. Journal of Cancer Survivorship [Internet]. 2016 [citado 11/04/2020]; 10:633–644. Disponible en: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11764-015-0509-0
29. Tomlinson D, Diorio C, Beyene J, Sung L. Effect of exercise on cancer-related fatigue: a meta-analysis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil [Internet]. 2014 [citado 11/04/2020]; 93:675-86. Disponible en: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24743466
30. Ferrer RA, Huedo-Medina TB, Johnson BT. Exercise interventions for cancer survivors: A meta-analysis of quality of life out-comes. Ann Behav Med. [Internet]. 2011 [citado 11/04/2020]; 41:32-47. Disponible en: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3712334/pdf/nihms255243.pdf
31. Meneses-Echávez JF, González-Jiménez E, Correa-Bautista JE, Schmidt-Río J, Ramírez-Vélez R. Efectividad del ejercicio físico en la fatiga de pacientes con cáncer durante el tratamiento activo: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. Revista Cad. Saúde Pública. 2015 [citado 14/05/2020]; 31(4):667-681. Disponible en: https://www.scielo.br/pdf/csp/v31n4/0102-311X-csp-31-04-00667.pdf
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2020-06-08
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Pereira-Rodriguez JE, Mercado-Arrieta MA, Quintero-Gómez JC, Lopez-Flores O, Díaz-Bravo M, Juárez-Vilchis R. Effects and benefits of strength training in cancer patients: a systematic review of the literature. Univ. Méd. Pinareña [Internet]. 2020 Jun. 8 [cited 2025 Jun. 21];16(3):e498. Available from: https://revgaleno.sld.cu/index.php/ump/article/view/498
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