Physical activity and quality of life after colorectal cancer: overview of evidence and future directions

Abstract

Physical activity has been demonstrated to be a safe, feasible and efficacious intervention to improve quality of life in cancer survivors. For colorectal cancer survivors, specifically, the evidence is less clear. Whilst observational studies suggest that physical activity is positively associated with quality of life in this population, the findings from intervention trials have predominantly been null. Methodological limitations of the intervention trials to date may partially explain these findings. Future research will benefit from the use of objective activity monitoring, which will allow researchers to examine the contributions towards quality of life across the full activity spectrum (from sedentary behaviour to vigorous-intensity physical activity). Future research should also consider effects within population subgroups and study underlying biological mechanisms.