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Exercise Interventions for People Living with Cancer: Advances in Knowledge and Implementation

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 4428

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lara Edbrooke

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Physiotherapy Department, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
2. Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Interests: cancer; prehabilitation; rehabilitation; implementation; physiotherapy
Dr. Chris Swain

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
2. Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
Interests: cancer; survivorship; physical activity; exercise science; intervention development; rehabilitation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is estimated that over 53 million people are living with cancer globally. This number will continue to rise with the ageing population, though there have been improvements in survival through earlier detection and breakthroughs in medical treatments. High-level evidence supports the effectiveness of physical activity, including exercise for improving a range of patient-reported and objectively measured outcomes across a range of cancers. However, access to these programs remains limited.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the impact of physical activity or exercise interventions for cancer survivors from diagnosis onwards. We welcome original research or review articles, including those seeking to understand the effects of newer treatment types, the most effective types of exercise, and models of care to improve access and program sustainability. We also welcome critiques and well-conducted studies with null findings.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Lara Edbrooke
Dr. Chris Swain
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cancer
  • survivorship
  • exercise
  • physical activity
  • implementation

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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27 pages, 902 KB  
Article
Effects of a 6-Week Supervised Multimodal Exercise Program on Cancer-Related Fatigue, Quality of Life and Physical Function During Active Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Arturo Cano-Uceda, Paloma Pareja-García, Esther Sánchez-Rodríguez, David Fraguas-Ramos, Laura Martín-Álvarez, Rebeca Asencio-Vicente, Amaya Rivero-de la Villa, María del Mar Pérez-Pérez, Berta María Obispo-Portero, Laura Morales-Ruiz, Rosalía de Dios-Álvarez, Lara Sanchez-Barroso, Luis De Sousa-De Sousa, José Luis Maté-Muñoz and Pablo García-Fernández
Cancers 2026, 18(6), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18060947 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1162
Abstract
Background: Reduced quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, and functional impairment are common during and after oncologic treatment. Although therapeutic exercise is effective, evidence on brief, supervised programs of moderate to vigorous intensity remains limited, despite their greater clinical feasibility. This study evaluated the [...] Read more.
Background: Reduced quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, and functional impairment are common during and after oncologic treatment. Although therapeutic exercise is effective, evidence on brief, supervised programs of moderate to vigorous intensity remains limited, despite their greater clinical feasibility. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a six-week multimodal Therapeutic Exercise Program (TEP) in patients with cancer. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial (NCT05816187) was conducted with 110 patients with cancer (stages I–III), assigned to either an intervention group (supervised TEP, three sessions per week for six weeks) or a control group (usual care). The program included cardiorespiratory and strength training with intensity monitored using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), as well as stretching exercises. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), fatigue using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale (FACIT-F), functional capacity using the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and muscle strength using the 30 Second Sit to Stand Test (30s-STST) and handgrip dynamometry (HGT). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), responder analyses based on the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID), and effect sizes (ηp2) were performed. Results: The intervention group showed significant and clinically meaningful improvements in fatigue (FACIT-F: +4.53; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.135), global QoL (+9.22; p = 0.006), physical function, functional capacity (+24.16 m in the 6MWT; p = 0.006), and muscle strength (30s-STST: +2.71 repetitions; handgrip: +3.32 kg; p < 0.001). A total of 63.3% of participants were responders for fatigue compared with 13.3% in the control group (NNT = 2.00). Functional improvements showed moderate correlations with fatigue and global health status. Among symptoms, only insomnia demonstrated a significant reduction. Conclusions: A brief, supervised, multimodal TEP of moderate to vigorous intensity appears to be an effective, safe, and clinically relevant intervention to improve fatigue, QoL, and functional capacity in patients with cancer, with potential applicability in multidisciplinary oncologic care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Interventions for People Living with Cancer: Advances in Knowledge and Implementation)
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14 pages, 590 KB  
Article
Behaviour Change for Physical Activity Is Feasible and Effective in Women Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Pilot Two-Arm Randomised Trial
by Mark Liu, Sharon Kilbreath, Jasmine Yee, Jane Beith and Elizabeth Dylke
Cancers 2026, 18(2), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020338 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 623
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Physical activity benefits women with metastatic breast cancer. Past trials are typically well-resourced and supervised, but home-based interventions may be preferable and more accessible. This pilot trial evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a remotely delivered behaviour change intervention aiming to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Physical activity benefits women with metastatic breast cancer. Past trials are typically well-resourced and supervised, but home-based interventions may be preferable and more accessible. This pilot trial evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a remotely delivered behaviour change intervention aiming to increase physical activity for women with metastatic breast cancer. Methods: A 12-week, two-arm trial involved 20 women with metastatic breast cancer randomised 1:1 to a generic recommendation group or behaviour change group. Both groups received a physical activity recommendation, Fitbit® watch, diary, and nine phone/video call sessions. The behaviour change group received individualised advice around physical activity benefits, motivation, barriers, and social support; the generic recommendation group completed a recurring symptom questionnaire. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention and adherence rates. Acceptability was evaluated with a structured interview at trial completion. Preliminary efficacy outcomes included 5-day Actigraph wear, 6 min walk distance, 30 s sit-to-stands, and questionnaires for self-reported physical activity, quality-of-life, fatigue, behavioural factors, and patient-specific function. Results: Recruitment, retention, and adherence rates were 63% (n = 20/32), 80% (n = 16/20), and 76% (137/180 sessions), respectively. Participants across both groups reported that participation was acceptable, and their behaviour change was perceived as sustainable. Preliminary change scores for efficacy measures favoured the behaviour change group, except some quality-of-life and behavioural factor subscales. Conclusions: Participants were receptive to the trial, and feasibility and efficacy measures were positive. This indicates that a behaviour change intervention for unsupervised physical activity is acceptable and can be beneficial to women with metastatic breast cancer, warranting further exploration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Interventions for People Living with Cancer: Advances in Knowledge and Implementation)
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Other

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20 pages, 1141 KB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Nordic Walking on Physical Fitness in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review
by Anabel Casanovas-Álvarez, Esther Mur-Gimeno, Jaume Masià Ayala, Carles Fernández-Jané and Raquel Sebio-Garcia
Cancers 2025, 17(19), 3170; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17193170 - 29 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1634
Abstract
Background: Despite evidence supporting exercise in cancer care, adherence remains low. Nordic Walking (NW), a pole-assisted outdoor activity, may overcome barriers and improve fitness. However, a comprehensive synthesis of its effects on physical fitness in cancer patients is lacking. Objective: To evaluate NW’s [...] Read more.
Background: Despite evidence supporting exercise in cancer care, adherence remains low. Nordic Walking (NW), a pole-assisted outdoor activity, may overcome barriers and improve fitness. However, a comprehensive synthesis of its effects on physical fitness in cancer patients is lacking. Objective: To evaluate NW’s effects on physical fitness, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), adherence, and safety in patients living with and beyond cancer, compared with no intervention or other exercise programs. Methods: This PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42024551608) included randomized or quasi-randomized trials. Five databases were searched through November 2024. Risk of bias (Joanna Briggs Institute) and evidence certainty (GRADE) were assessed. Results: This systematic review included six RCTs comparing NW with no intervention. NW significantly improved overall muscle strength (Std. MD = 0.46, 95%CI:0.14–0.78; low-certainty) and self-reported physical activity (MD = 3181.51 MET-min/week, 95%CI:2085–4278; moderate-certainty). Cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walk) showed no significant improvement in random-effects modeling (MD = 84.78 m, 95%CI:−35.6–205.19; very low-certainty). HRQoL data were insufficient for meta-analysis. Adherence exceeded 90% in supervised sessions, with no serious intervention-related adverse events. Conclusions: When compared with no intervention NW is feasible and safe, potentially improving muscle strength and physical activity in patients with cancer. Evidence for cardiorespiratory endurance and HRQoL remains inconclusive. To date, no studies have compared NW with other structured exercise programs. Higher-quality RCTs with diverse populations are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Interventions for People Living with Cancer: Advances in Knowledge and Implementation)
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