AbstractThis study analyzed the effects of physical exercise interventions on
cardiovascular endpoints in childhood cancer survivors. Relevant articles
were systematically searched in PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases
(since inception to 11th September 2019). We performed a meta-analysis
(random effects) to determine the mean difference (expressed together with
95% confidence intervals) between pre- and post-intervention values
for those cardiovascular endpoints reported in more than three studies.
Twenty-seven studies (of which 16 were controlled studies) comprising 697
participants were included. Only three studies reported adverse events
related to exercise interventions. Exercise resulted in an increased
performance on the 6-minute walk distance test (mean
difference=111 m, 95% confidence
interval=39–183, p=0.003) and a non-significant
trend (mean
difference=1.97 ml∙kg−1∙min−1,
95% confidence interval=−0.12–4.06,
p=0.065) for improvement in peak oxygen uptake. Furthermore, left
ventricular ejection fraction was preserved after exercise interventions
(mean difference=0.29%, 95% confidence
interval=−1.41–1.99, p=0.738). In summary,
exercise interventions might exert a cardioprotective effect in childhood
cancer survivors by improving – or attenuating the decline of
– physical capacity and cardiovascular function. Further studies,
particularly randomized controlled trials, are needed to confirm these
benefits.
Exercise Interventions and Cardiovascular Health in Childhood Cancer:
A Meta-analysis
