Exercise Interventions and Their Role in Managing Inflammation in Women with Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence from Clinical Trials

Hooshmand-Moghadam, Babak; Moazamigoudarzi, Shadi

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Volume 34, Issue 4 (9-2026)

Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences 2026, 34(4): 1-26

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Exercise Interventions and Their Role in Managing Inflammation in Women with Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence from Clinical Trials

Babak Hooshmand-Moghadam ^*¹

, Shadi Moazamigoudarzi²

1- Dept of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran , b.hooshmand@um.ac.ir
2- Dept of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: (270 Views)

Introduction: Inflammatory changes participate in the development and progression of breast cancer. In the management of inflammation, non-pharmacological interventions, especially physical activities, are of great importance. The objective of this study is to systematically review the literature on the effects of different types of exercise interventions (aerobic, resistance, combined, and interval training) on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in women with breast cancer.
Materials & Methods: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on inflammatory biomarkers in women with breast cancer. A systematic search of the databases until the year 2025 was performed to identify different types of exercise (aerobic, resistance, combined, and interval) affecting pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers. Exclusion criteria: Non-breast cancer patient studies; irrelevant biomarkers. Data extraction concentrated on key findings and study characteristics; articles were categorized by exercise type to assess intervention effects.
Results: Sixteen articles were reviewed and examined different types of training in relation to inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in women with breast cancer according to the defined criteria. Five studies examined aerobic training, five examined resistance training, three examined combined training, and three examined interval training. Results: The results show that chronic physical exercise can modulate the inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and leptin) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and adiponectin) markers. However, the effect of these exercises on such markers may differ based on exercise type and factors such as volume, intensity, duration, and participant adherence.
Conclusion: Different types of exercise interventions can improve the inflammation of women with breast cancer through mechanisms such as regulating cytokines, activating signaling pathways, improving metabolic status, reducing oxidative stress, modulating hormones, increasing fat metabolism, affecting the gut microbiome, enhancing mitochondrial function, improving sleep quality, reducing stress, and increasing muscle mass and strength. Hence, these interventions improve the therapeutic outcomes and quality of life of patients.

Keywords: Exercise Therapy, Physical activity, Inflammation, Women's Health, Breast cancer

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Editorial Note: Applicable | Subject: education vartqa slamt
Received: 2026/05/4 | Accepted: 2026/08/23 | Published: 2026/09/27

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Hooshmand-Moghadam B, Moazamigoudarzi S. Exercise Interventions and Their Role in Managing Inflammation in Women with Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence from Clinical Trials. J. Ilam Uni. Med. Sci. 2026; 34 (4) :1-26
URL: http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-8933-en.html

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