Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and its treatment is
often associated with pronounced fatigue and reduced quality of life. Physical exercise has
emerged as an important non-pharmacological intervention for managing these symptoms;
however, the effects of aerobic exercise during active treatment are not yet entirely
consistent. Purpose: The aim of this diploma thesis was to review existing studies on the
effects of aerobic exercise during breast cancer treatment on cancer-related fatigue and
quality of life and to identify the characteristics of effective exercise interventions. Methods:
A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database. Randomised controlled trials
published within the last ten years were included if they investigated the effects of aerobic
exercise on fatigue and/or quality of life in women with breast cancer during active
treatment. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: Seven
studies were included in the final analysis. Aerobic exercise programmes lasted from eight
weeks to 64 weeks, most commonly 12–20 weeks. Exercise was most frequently performed
on a treadmill, stationary bicycle, or in the form of walking. Interventions that demonstrated
a beneficial effect on fatigue or quality of life most often included exercise performed 2–3
times per week for 20–60 minutes at moderate to high intensity (50–95% of maximal heart
rate), often in the form of interval training or with planned gradual progression of workload.
A statistically significant positive effect of aerobic exercise on cancer-related fatigue was
found in three of five studies, where exercise reduced fatigue or prevented its worsening
during treatment, whereas two studies did not report statistically significant differences. The
results regarding quality of life were less consistent. A statistically significant improvement
in global quality of life was reported in two studies, while several studies reported
improvements in specific domains of quality of life, particularly physical, emotional, and
functional functioning. Discussion and conclusion: Aerobic exercise represents a safe and
beneficial component of supportive oncological care and may contribute to maintaining
functional capacity and well-being in women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Regular
aerobic exercise of moderate to high intensity with gradual progression of workload appears
to be clinically meaningful, particularly when performed several times per week and
individually adapted to the patient’s capacity and treatment course.
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