Exercise Interventions for Patients with Brain Tumors: A Comprehensive Review
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By
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Arooba Iqbal
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L. Nicolas Gonzalez Castro
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September 7, 2026
Clinical Report: Exercise Interventions for Patients with Brain Tumors
Overview
This systematic review evaluates the feasibility and safety of exercise interventions for patients with brain tumors. The evidence regarding its clinical effectiveness remains preliminary.
Background
Brain tumors are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer patients, leading to deterioration in physical and cognitive abilities. Research on exercise specifically for brain tumor patients is limited. This review aims to address the gap by examining the effects of various exercise modalities on this patient group.
Data Highlights
No specific numerical data was provided in the source material.
Key Findings
- A total of 31 studies were included, comprising 23 clinical trials and various observational studies.
- Exercise modalities included aerobic, strength-training, yoga, and balance exercises.
- Reported improvements in physical and cognitive function and quality of life were noted.
- Adverse events related to exercise were uncommon and similar to those seen in non-cancer populations.
- The evidence base is characterized by high risk of bias and small sample sizes.
- Further large-scale prospective trials are needed.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should consider exercise interventions for brain tumor patients, while being mindful of the preliminary nature of the evidence.
Conclusion
Further research is essential to confirm the clinical effectiveness of exercise interventions for patients with brain tumors.
Related Resources & Content
- Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2023 -- Development of a Comprehensive Exercise Initiative for Patients with Glioma (ActiNO): Overview of Clinical Insights
- jadpro, 2022 -- Adherence to Prophylactic Anticonvulsant Guidelines for Newly Diagnosed Brain Tumor Patients: A Quality Improvement Study
- the asco post, 2024 -- Early Interventions May Improve Long-Term Academic Achievement in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors
- Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2009 -- The role of emerging and investigational therapies for metastatic brain tumors: a systematic review and evidence-based clinical practice guideline of selected topics
- PMC, 2023 -- Glioblastoma in adults: A Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) and European Society of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) consensus review on current management and future directions
- NICE, 2023 -- Recommendations | Brain tumours (primary) and brain metastases in over 16s | Guidance | NICE
- PubMed, 2023 -- A scoping review mapped existing rehabilitation guideline recommendations for primary brain tumors
- PMC, 2023 -- Intracranial metastases from solid tumors: Call to action and consensus from the Society for Neuro-Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology collaborative
- American Cancer Society, 2023 -- American Cancer Society Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors
- Glioblastoma in adults: A Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) and European Society of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) consensus review on current management and future directions - PMC
- Recommendations | Brain tumours (primary) and brain metastases in over 16s | Guidance | NICE
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Intracranial metastases from solid tumors: Call to action and consensus from the Society for Neuro-Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology collaborative - PMC
- American Cancer Society Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors | American Cancer Society
- Frontiers | Physical Exercise in Brain Tumor Patients: A Systematic Review
- An Investigation of the Effect of Exercise on Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue Symptoms in Patients Diagnosed with Primary Brain Tumors: A Systematic Review - PubMed
- The effect of non-pharmacological supportive care interventions on patient-reported outcomes among patients with a brain tumour: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
- oup.silverchair-cdn.com
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Effectiveness of Physical Therapy– and Occupational Therapy–Based Rehabilitation in People Who Have Glioma and Are Undergoing Active Anticancer Treatment: Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial | Physical Therapy | Oxford Academic
Based on findings from:
Physical exercise in brain tumor patients: a systematic review
Arooba Iqbal, L. Nicolas Gonzalez Castro. Frontiers In Oncology, 2026.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2026.1810188/full
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.