Differential Impact of Exercises on Quality-of-Life Improvement in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study aims to find out which types of exercise can help improve the quality of life for people who have survived breast cancer. Researchers analyzed data from different studies to see how various exercises, such as aerobic and strength training, aerobic activity, yoga, and strength exercise, affected these individuals after 12 weeks. The results show that combining aerobic and strength training is the most effective way to improve their quality of life without causing more people to drop out of the exercise programs compared to regular care. This research may help doctors and patients make better decisions about exercise plans for breast cancer survivors. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various exercise interventions in enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. To achieve this, randomized controlled trials were identified from major electronic databases, focusing on the relationship between exercise and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. The primary outcome was the impact of exercise on quality of life 12 weeks after the intervention, with a secondary outcome comparing dropout rates between intervention groups and a regular care control group. The study protocol was registered with INPLASY (INPLASY202340007). A network meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials involving 725 participants was conducted, examining aerobic and strength training, aerobic activity, yoga, and strength exercise. Results showed that aerobic and strength training was the most effective intervention, significantly improving the quality of life of breast cancer survivors (1.31; 95% confidence interval: 0.49 to 2.12). Aerobic activity had a borderline effect (0.83; 0.03 to 1.63), while no exercise interventions were associated with an increased dropout risk compared to the control group (regular care). The study concluded that concurrent aerobic and strength training can improve breast cancer survivors’ quality of life after 12 weeks of intervention without increasing dropout risk compared to regular care.