Effect of physical activity on depression, anxiety, and stress in women surviving breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Monte Nero, D.S., Lira, C.R.N., Paz, C.L.S.L., Costa, P.R.F.C., Cunha, C.M., Bueno, Allain ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9456-8558, Jesus, R.P. and Oliveira, L.P.M. (2025) Effect of physical activity on depression, anxiety, and stress in women surviving breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Health Psychology. pp. 1-19. ISSN Print 1359-1053; Online 1461-7277

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Abstract

Breast cancer treatment can lead to psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress. We systematically investigated the effect of physical exercise on these factors in women surviving breast cancer (WSBC). Eight databases were searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data extraction and bias risk analysis were conducted using standardized tools, with meta-analysis performed using RevMan® software. Out of 3529 documents initially identified, 15 RCTs were included, comprising 2756 WSBC (1284 in intervention groups and 1472 in control groups), with 2082 participants in depression analyses, 513 in anxiety analyses, and 161 in stress analyses. Meta-analyses showed that physical exercise promoted significant reduction in depression and anxiety. Subgroup analyses showed greater reduction in anxiety when aerobic and resistance exercise were combined. Only two studies investigated stress, with less robust data suggesting improvement when combining aerobic and resistance interventions. Future RCTs with standardized intervention protocols are needed to confirm these findings.

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