Effects of physical exercise on patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of physical exercise on the quality of life and physical performance of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This is an integrative literature review based on the PICO question: “Does physical exercise have beneficial effects on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?”. The methodology followed six steps, with searches in the BVS, PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO Host and CAPES databases, using the descriptors “Breast Neoplasms”, “Exercise” and “Drug Therapy”. Randomized clinical trials (2010–2025) were included. Duplicates and studies not relevant to the guiding question were excluded. Results: Eleven articles were found in the search, most of which had Qualis A1 and were from the United States. Of the studies, 45.45% were conducted with more than 150 participants and patients in the intervention group showed a significant increase in upper and lower limb strength, greater tolerance to exercise and improved cardiorespiratory endurance. There was also a reduction in reported fatigue, in addition to improvements in mobility and activities of daily living. The control group did not show relevant changes in the same parameters. Final considerations: Physical exercise, especially aerobic and HIIT, has been shown to be effective in improving physical condition and general well-being during chemotherapy.