JAMA Netw Open

Exercise may boost mental health in older adults with cancer

February 6, 2025

Incorporating structured exercise programs into the care plan for older adults with cancer can be beneficial in managing psychological distress and improving overall well-being. Consider recommending combined exercise interventions to optimize mental health outcomes in this patient population.

Study design: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of exercise interventions on depression, anxiety, and quality of life in older adults with cancer. The study included randomized trials that assessed various exercise modalities, such as aerobic, resistance, and combined exercises.

Results: A meta-analysis of 27 randomized trials with 1,929 participants found that exercise was associated with significant reduction in depression (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.53) and anxiety (SMD = -0.39) and improvements in overall health-related quality-of-life (SMD = 0.63). Mind-body exercises showed greater association with improvements in depression (SMD = -0.89) and anxiety (SMD = -0.77) compared with conventional exercises.

Source:

Soong RY, et al. (2025, February 3). JAMA Netw Open. Exercise Interventions for Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39903465/