A scoping review of exercise oncology trials to inform best practice recommendations for exercise in older adults (65+ years) living with and beyond cancer.

INTRODUCTION

We conducted a scoping review of published controlled exercise oncology trials to inform the development of best practice guidelines for delivering exercise to older cancer survivors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eligible articles reported on controlled trials that allocated people ≥65 years old at enrollment and a history of cancer to ≥1 arm of structured exercise training lasting ≥4 weeks that was aimed to improve a health-related outcome. We extracted and summarized data on trial design, basic characteristics, trial outcomes, eligibility criteria, pre-exercise medical clearance, intervention characteristics, feasibility (accrual, retention, adherence, compliance), safety and tolerance.

RESULTS

Out of 1790 articles identified, 1784 were excluded, yielding six eligible studies. Three trials tested a combined aerobic + resistance training program, one trial tested aerobic exercise only, one trial included resistance training only, and one trial compared an arm of resistance training to an arm of aerobic training. Main health-related outcomes were aerobic capacity (n = 1) and physical function (n = 5). Four out of six studies required medical clearance prior to participation and several studies excluded physical (n = 3) and/or cognitive limitations (n = 3). Trial accrual ranged from 21%-37%, adherence ranged from 48%-84%, and retention ranged from 61%-77%. Compliance with exercise training was rarely tracked or reported. One serious adverse event (syncope leading to hospitalization) possibly attributed to exercise was reported across all six trials.

DISCUSSION

There are very few studies available to inform evidence-based exercise guidelines for older adult cancer survivors. In turn, consensus-based guidelines could provide recommendations so that older cancer survivors receive appropriate exercise guidance.