Effects of Physical Exercise Interventions for Individuals With Gynecologic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Problem Identification: Data on the efficacy of physical exercise interventions for individuals with gynecologic cancer are limited and discordant. The purpose of this review was to determine the benefits of exercise interventions in this population.

Literature Search: The PubMed^®, Web of Science, Embase^® (Ovid), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for studies published from January 1, 2010, to November 9, 2022.

Data Evaluation: 12 randomized controlled trials were included. A quantitative synthesis method was used to investigate the effects of exercise interventions on individuals with gynecologic cancer.

Synthesis: The findings indicate that physical exercise interventions may have beneficial effects on the fatigue, depression, and health-related quality of life of this patient population. However, because of the small group of studies available, the evidence must be regarded as preliminary.

Implications for Practice: Clinicians and oncology nurses should recommend and refer individuals with gynecologic cancer to clinic- or community-based physical exercise programs.