Effects of Walking Combined With Resistance Band Exercises on Alleviating Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom, and exercise has shown potential in alleviating CRF. However, there is a need for diverse exercise options tailored to individual patient needs. Objective: To evaluate the overall effects of a combined walking and resistance band exercise intervention in relieving CRF among cancer patients through randomized controlled trials. Methods: Comprehensive searches were conducted in multiple databases to identify relevant studies up until March 2023. Inclusion criteria required the intervention to involve walking combined with elastic band training, with a clear exercise protocol description. The primary outcome was CRF, and secondary outcomes included walking steps, distance, mood distress, and quality of life. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Results: Ten trials were included. The intervention group showed significant improvements in CRF (SMD, −0.40; 95% CI, −0.60 to −0.20), mood distress (SMD, −0.30; 95% CI, −0.53 to −0.07), and daily walking steps (SMD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.07-0.96) compared with the control group. Although the 6-Minute Walk Test and quality of life did not show significant differences, a trend toward improvement was observed in the intervention group. Adverse events related to the intervention were infrequent. Conclusion: A combined walking and resistance band exercise intervention can effectively alleviate CRF and improve mood distress and daily walking steps among cancer patients. Implications for Practice: This exercise option may provide an additional strategy to manage CRF. Further research is needed to explore the optimal exercise prescription for individual patients. © 2023 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.