Objective:

To review the effects of exercise and polyphenol supplementation on musculoskeletal integrity and recovery in cancer management.

Approach:

• Mechanistic Pathways: The review discusses how polyphenols like curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and green tea catechins modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and anabolic signaling in various tissues.
• Exercise Effects: Exercise activates pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, AMPK, and Nrf2, enhancing protein synthesis and mitochondrial biogenesis.
• Polyphenol Reinforcement: Polyphenols suppress NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulate BDNF/CREB, and reduce chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-induced tissue damage.

Key Findings:

• Combining exercise with polyphenol supplementation can prevent tissue injury and promote functional recovery.
• Polyphenols enhance the effects of exercise on muscle, bone, and cardiac tissues.
• Nutritional interventions, including polyphenols, are critical for musculoskeletal resilience and recovery.

Interpretation:

This review provides insights into the potential benefits of integrating exercise and polyphenols for recovery in cancer treatment.

Limitations:

• The review does not provide specific clinical guidelines or recommendations.
• Further research is needed to establish optimal dosages and combinations of polyphenols and exercise.
• The review does not address the variability in individual responses to polyphenol supplementation and exercise.

Conclusion:

This review emphasizes the potential role of combining exercise and polyphenol supplementation in supporting musculoskeletal health during cancer treatment.