Associations between physical activity and cancer incidence and mortality: systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.14.1.2025.20897Keywords:
mortality, incidence, morbidity, cancer, accelerometer, physical activityAbstract
This study aimed to analyze the relationship between physical activity, measured using accelerometers, and premature mortality and cancer incidence. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, including prospective cohort studies that examined the relationship between physical activity and cancer using the keywords ("physical activity" OR "exercise") AND ("accelerometer" OR "device-measured" OR "wearables") AND ("cancer") AND ("incidence" OR "mortality"). Risk of bias was assessed using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. A total of 13 articles were analyzed, of which 11 showed a low risk of bias and 2 a moderate risk. An inverse relationship was found between physical activity and cancer mortality and incidence, with evident benefits even at levels below international recommendations. Higher-intensity activity demonstrated greater benefits in less time.The minimum and optimal doses fell within the current recommendations for moderate activity, while for vigorous activity, they were lower. The evidence suggests that engaging in activity below the recommendations can be beneficial, but the greatest benefits are achieved by meeting these recommendations, particularly with higher-intensity activity.
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