The impact of exercise interventions on domains of quality of life in women diagnosed with breast cancers during chemotherapy treatment: a meta-analytic review
A partir d'une revue de la littérature (21 essais randomisés ; 3 024 patientes), cette méta-analyse évalue l'effet, sur la qualité de vie pendant la chimiothérapie, d'interventions à base d'exercices physiques chez des patientes atteintes d'un cancer du sein
Background: Exercise can improve quality of life in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, but evidence of the most effective intervention characteristics remains inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exercise on quality of life in women with breast cancer during chemotherapy and examine whether its relationship varies by described exercise modality, dose, and other study characteristics.
Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a systematic search of five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE) from Jan 1, 2005, to May 24, 2025, identified randomised controlled trials evaluating exercise interventions and constructs of quality of life in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Standardised mean differences (Hedges' g) were calculated and pooled using three-level random-effects models accounting for dependent effect sizes, and potential moderators were examined.
Findings: 21 randomised controlled trials (3024 participants) were included. Overall, exercise interventions showed a significant positive effect on constructs of quality of life (ḡ=0·434 [95% CI 0·272–0·595], p<0·0001). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I2=55·76%). Described exercise modality significantly moderated effects (test statistic 3 for moderator differences 28·85, p<0·0001), with aerobic exercise (ḡ=0·482 [95% CI 0·272–0·595], p<0·0001), combined aerobic-strength training (ḡ=0·397 [0·156–0·639], p=0·0001), and strength-alone (ḡ=0·335 [0·002–0·669], p<0·049) showing significant benefits. This study is retrospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251044479).
Interpretation: Exercise interventions significantly affect quality of life in women with breast cancer during chemotherapy. Aerobic and combined aerobic–strength training both showed significant benefits. Further research is needed to establish optimal exercise prescriptions.
The Lancet Healthy Longevity , résumé, 2026