Open AccessArticle
Effects of Resistance Exercise on Quality of Life, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Quality and Inflammatory Parameters in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Active Treatment: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
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Juan Luis Sánchez-González, Jesus Perez, Eduardo José Fernández-Rodríguez, Emilio Fonseca-Sánchez, Yolanda Lopez-Mateos, Claudia María Sanz-Blanco, Francisco Javier Martín-Vallejo, Alberto García-Martín and Carlos Martín-Sánchez
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(12), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32120651 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025
Abstract
Objective: The primary objective of this pilot randomized clinical trial was to determine the effect of adding a supervised resistance exercise programme to a home-based physical activity plan on health-related quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing active treatment. The secondary
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Objective: The primary objective of this pilot randomized clinical trial was to determine the effect of adding a supervised resistance exercise programme to a home-based physical activity plan on health-related quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing active treatment. The secondary objectives were to evaluate its effects on anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and inflammatory parameters. Methods: This is a pilot randomized clinical trial with parallel groups. Patients with CRC were recruited through the Oncology Department at the Salamanca University Health Care Complex in Spain. They were randomly allocated to receive either a home-based physical activity plus a supervised resistance training programme, or the home-based physical activity plan only. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life measures and the secondary outcomes included anxiety, depression and sleep quality evaluations. The supervised training lasted 8 weeks for each patient. Results: A total of 40 patients were recruited, 20 for each group. Adding a supervised resistance exercise programme to the home-based activity plan improved symptoms related to quality of life, such as fatigue (
p = 0.040) and constipation (
p = 0.015). However, no significant effect was found with regard to other health-related quality of life, anxiety, depression or sleep variables. Conclusions: Fatigue and constipation in patients with CRC receiving chemo- and/or immunotherapy may benefit from the introduction of supervised resistance exercise training programmes.
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