A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effect of exercise on the development of cancer-related lymphedema

JNCI Cancer Spectrum 2026 Open access

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Authors: Melanie L. Plinsinga, Brooke Baker, Rosalind R. Spence, Benjamin Singh, Hildegard Reul‐Hirche, Kira Bloomquist, Karin Johansson, Charlotta Jönsson, Sandra Christine Hayes
DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkag013
Cited by: 3

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to (i) evaluate effects of exercise on cancer-related lymphedema (CRL) incidence, and (ii) explore whether effect differed according to patient and exercise intervention characteristics. METHODS: A search of 6 electronic databases was undertaken to identify intervention studies published up to May 2025. Studies included individuals at risk of and with CRL, comparing exercise to no exercise, and reporting lymphedema outcomes. Meta-analyses using random effects models estimated the relative risk (RR) of exercise on CRL. Exploratory subgroup analyses were conducted for upper- vs lower-limb lymphedema,

Fields of Study & Subjects

Lymphatic System and Diseases Cancer survivorship and care Cancer-related cognitive impairment studies

Publication details

Journal / source
JNCI Cancer Spectrum
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Volume
10
Issue
2
Publication date
30 January 2026
Language
EN