Methodologic issues in exercise intervention research in oncology.
OBJECTIVE
To review randomized controlled trials that offered exercise interventions for adults diagnosed and treated for cancer related to design, sample, type of intervention, and outcomes.


METHODS
Several electronic databases were searched and recent review papers were scanned to identify relevant publications.


CONCLUSIONS
Exercise adoption seems clearly feasible for early stage cancer patients, particularly breast cancer patients. Data support positive effects for physical functioning, quality of life, and psychological well-being. Effects for patients with later-stage disease and other cancers are less clear. The impact of exercise adoption on biomarkers of disease status, immune functioning, and hormone levels should also be examined.


CONCLUSIONS
There are many opportunities for nurses to promote exercise in clinical care and in a research context.
Pinto
Bernardine M
BM
Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Coro Bldg, Suite 500, One Hoppin St, Providence, RI 02903, USA. Bpinto@lifespan.org
Floyd
Andrea
A
D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care