A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Community-Based Physical Activity Trials for Adult Cancer Survivors

The benefit of physical activity for those who have been diagnosed with cancer is well recognized. However, methods to promote long-term engagement in physical activity among survivors of cancer are less clear. Community-based interventions may promote survivors’ long-term engagement in physical activity. The current systematic review synthesizes the effectiveness of randomized controlled trial-tested community-based physical activity interventions for adult cancer survivors, identifies characteristics of effective interventions, and reports on sustainability among these interventions. Systematic searches of three research databases were performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, identifying 14 reports for inclusion in the current review. Quality appraisal of included reports was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment of Controlled Intervention Studies Tool. Overall, findings support the use of community-based interventions to promote physical activity among cancer survivors. However, opportunities exist to improve community-based trials, including consistent assessment of intervention sustainability, utilization of health behavior theory, objective measurement of behavior change, and tailored interventional components to further improve effectiveness. Further research on mechanisms underlying intervention effectiveness, sustainability, and approaches for high-risk and underserved populations is needed.