Exercise as a Therapeutic Strategy to Improve Cerebrovascular Function and Cognition in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review
2024

Exercise to Help Brain Function in Breast Cancer Survivors

Sample size: 11 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Downs Tahnee L., Whiteside Eliza J., Denham Joshua, Mills Dean E., Bliss Edward S.

Primary Institution: University of Southern Queensland

Hypothesis

Does exercise improve cerebrovascular function and cognition in breast cancer survivors?

Conclusion

Exercise training may improve brain function and blood flow in breast cancer survivors.

Supporting Evidence

  • 75% of breast cancer survivors report cognitive impairment.
  • Exercise training has been shown to improve cognitive function in other chronic diseases.
  • Studies indicate a positive association between exercise performance and cognitive function.

Takeaway

Doing exercise can help breast cancer survivors think better and improve blood flow to their brains.

Methodology

The review systematically evaluated studies on exercise's effects on brain function in breast cancer survivors.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported measures of cognition and small, non-diverse study populations.

Limitations

Most studies focused on aerobic exercise and did not measure both brain function and blood flow together.

Participant Demographics

Female breast cancer survivors, various ages and stages of cancer.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/jcm13247841

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