Effects and benefits of strength training in cancer patients: a systematic review of the literature

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.

Keywords

• cáncer
• fuerza
• ejercicio
• fatiga
• calidad de vida
• dolor.