Effects of virtual exercise interventions on physical function in individuals with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
meta_analysis · Level I
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- Also identified by DOI 10.1080/09638288.2025.2599104.
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Abstract
Evaluate the effects of virtual exercise interventions compared to no intervention or usual care on physical function in individuals with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer. Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, EMCARE, PsycINFO, AMED) were searched from inception to February 5<sup>th</sup>, 2025. Eligible studies evaluated virtual exercise interventions, compared to usual care or no intervention on physical function outcomes in adults (≥18 years) with current or previous cancer. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 and the GRADE tools were used to assess certainty of evidence. Fifteen trials (<i>n</i> = 843) were included; 13 studies (<i>n</i> = 668) were synthesized quantitatively. Meta-analyses showed benefits of virtual exercise on upper body strength (SMD = 0.53, 95%CI [0.11, 0.94], <i>p</i> = 0.01), lower body strength (SMD = 0.53, 95%CI [0.14, 0.93], <i>p</i> = 0.009), gait-based measures (SMD = 0.65, 95%CI [0.06, 1.24], <i>p</i> = 0.03), chair-stand tests (SMD = 1.07, 95%CI [0.13, 2.01], <i>p</i> = 0.03), pain (SMD = 0.50, 95%CI [0.09, 0.91], <i>p</i> = 0.02), and fatigue (SMD = 0.70, 95% CI [0.44, 0.96], <i>p</i> < 0.001). No effect was observed on Short Physical Performance Battery scores (MD = 0.71, 95% CI [-0.52, 1.94], <i>p</i> = 0.26). Certainty of evidence of all outcomes were very low. Virtual exercise interventions may improve physical function and reduce barriers to exercise participation in individuals with cancer. PROSPERO:CRD42025639046.