Evidence summary (Added 2022)
In a recent review of the evidence physical activity/exercise interventions were shown to have a definite positive effect on bone health in cancer patients(1–5).
Four of 5 reported on interventions during and post treatment(1,3–5). One did not specify the treatment stage of the interventions(2).
While two reviews reported on multiple cancer types(2,3), including breast, prostate and colorectal. Several reported on a single cancer only; improved bone health with the physical activity intervention group was seen in breast(1), and prostate(4,5) cancer patients.
When considering the intervention type multiple studies considered combination physical activity/exercise interventions(4,5). Combined aerobic and anaerobic activities were evaluated(1–3).
Quality of evidence
B – Moderate quality
Strength of recommendation
1 – Strong
Conclusion
A number of reviews found improvements in bone health in cancer patients with physical activity or exercise interventions. The quality of these studies varied from moderate to high. Physical activity is well demonstrated to be of value in managing or preventing osteoporosis and most patients should be recommended to do a form of activity to help with bone health.
References
- Schutz S, Aidar FJ, Souza RLM, dos Santos JL, Voltarelli FA, Vieira Junior RC, et al. Different Methods of Physical Training Applied to Women Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review. Front Physiol [Internet]. 2021 Apr 14 [cited 2022 Oct 12];12. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33935799/
- Rose GL, Skinner TL, Keating SE, Friedrich NK, Bolam KA. The effects of exercise on the bone health of people with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int [Internet]. 2022 Feb 1 [cited 2022 Oct 13];33(2):327–38. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34532766/
- Singh B, Toohey K. The effect of exercise for improving bone health in cancer survivors – A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sci Med Sport [Internet]. 2022 Jan 1 [cited 2022 Oct 13];25(1):31–40. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34465518/
- Bressi B, Cagliari M, Contesini M, Mazzini E, Bergamaschi FAM, Moscato A, et al. Physical exercise for bone health in men with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy: a systematic review. Support Care Cancer [Internet]. 2021 Apr 1 [cited 2022 Oct 13];29(4):1811–24. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33119791/
- Zdravkovic A, Hasenöhrl T, Palma S, Crevenna R. Effects of resistance exercise in prostate cancer patients : A systematic review update as of March 2020. Wien Klin Wochenschr [Internet]. 2020 Aug 1 [cited 2022 Oct 11];132(15–16):452–63. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32681360/