Effects of exercise interventions on social and cognitive functioning of men with prostate cancer: a meta-analysis
Journal
Supportive Care in Cancer
Journal Volume
28
Journal Issue
5
Pages
2043-2057
ISSN
0941-4355
Date Issued
2020-05-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Exercise is beneficial for prostate cancer patients' physical functioning; however, effects on social and cognitive functioning are inconsistent. This meta-analysis of exercise interventions for prostate cancer patients had two aims: the primary aim was to evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on social functioning; the secondary aim was to consider additional outcomes of cognitive functioning as well as adverse events. Electronic databases (Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Chinese database Airti Library) were searched for relevant papers (1987-2019), which included hand searching. After careful inspection, 10 relevant randomized controlled trials were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software; pooled means determined social and cognitive functioning. Meta-analysis of summary scores (fixed-effects model) showed an overall beneficial effect of exercise on social functioning (Hedges' g = 0.35, 95% CI [0.193, 0.515], p < 0.001) and cognitive functioning (Hedges' g = 0.35, 95% CI [0.123, 0.575], p < 0.01) in men with prostate cancer when compared to controls. Intervention durations of 12-16 and 24-48 weeks that provided supervised aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise sessions had a small to medium effect on social functioning compared to controls. One exercise group experienced one serious, but non-fatal, adverse event due to a higher exercise intensity (50-75% VO2max). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to examine the effects of exercise interventions on cognitive functioning among prostate cancer patients. We suggest further research be conducted to confirm these findings.
SDGs
Type
review
