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Exploring the impact of exercise on women with ovarian cancer: A call for more methodologically standardized RCTs to enable a realistic systematic review.

European journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology
April 1, 2025
Francesco Pegreffi et al. (8 authors)
Journal ArticleSystematic ReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise, including walking, on physical function, fatigue, and psychological outcomes in women with ovarian cancer.

Results Summary

Preoperative walking expedited recovery, and adherence to ≥150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week showed consistent benefits in physical function, fatigue, and psychological outcomes. However, significant heterogeneity in study protocols limited meta-analysis.

Population

Women with ovarian cancer

Effective Dosage

≥150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (8)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
physical exercise
increase
physical function
women with ovarian cancer
-
improvements
#1
physical exercise
increase
fatigue
women with ovarian cancer
-
improvements
#2
physical exercise
increase
psychological outcomes
women with ovarian cancer
-
improvements
#3
physical exercise
decrease
depressive symptoms
women with ovarian cancer
-
reduced
#4
physical exercise
increase
cognitive
women with ovarian cancer
-
enhancements
#5
≥150 min of moderate-intensity exercise per week
increase
-
patients
-
experienced the most consistent benefits
#6
Preoperative walking
increase
recovery
-
-
expedited
#7
Exercise interventions
increase
physical and mental health
ovarian cancer patients
-
can improve
#8
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among gynecological malignancies, often diagnosed at advanced stages due to nonspecific symptoms and limited screening tools. Standard treatment, including cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy, can cause fatigue, physical dysfunction, and psychological distress, impacting quality of life. Exercise interventions have shown potential to mitigate these effects, but inconsistent methodologies in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) limit reliable conclusions and clinical integration. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. RCTs assessing physical exercise effects on women with ovarian cancer were included, excluding pilot trials, reviews, and combined therapies. Data extraction and GRADE assessments were performed by two independent reviewers, and a narrative synthesis was conducted due to study heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs were analyzed, covering aerobic, resistance, and yoga interventions. Findings indicated improvements in physical function, fatigue, and psychological outcomes, such as reduced depressive symptoms and cognitive enhancements. Patients adhering to ≥150 min of moderate-intensity exercise per week experienced the most consistent benefits. Preoperative walking expedited recovery, though significant heterogeneity in study protocols precluded meta-analysis. DISCUSSION: Evidence supports the feasibility and benefits of exercise across ovarian cancer stages. However, inconsistency in exercise intensity, duration, and reporting hinders the development of standardized protocols. Compared to cardiological rehabilitation, ovarian cancer exercise guidelines remain underdeveloped, emphasizing the need for tailored, evidence-based interventions. CONCLUSION: Exercise interventions can improve physical and mental health in ovarian cancer patients. Standardized RCTs are urgently needed to establish robust exercise protocols and enable clinical implementation, enhancing survivorship outcomes and quality of life.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansFemaleOvarian NeoplasmsRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicQuality of LifeExercise TherapyExerciseFatigueYoga
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality80/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.60
Normalized Score0.66
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