Background. Breast cancer is one of the most common
cancers affecting women worldwide, and depressive
symptoms are disturbing side effects of cancer
diagnosis and treatment. Physical activity and exercise
have emerged as an alternative treatment in handling
psychological distress throughout breast cancer
survivorship.
Aim. The aim of this review was to present the results of (1)
physical activity and (2) exercise interventions in terms of
type and duration regarding depressive symptoms among
breast cancer survivors during and after treatment. The
hypothesis was that cancer survivors who are engaged
with physical activity will demonstrate statistically
significant lower levels of depressive symptoms when
compared with non-exercising control groups.
Methods. We searched PubMed, Elsevier and Google
Scholar for recent articles published between January
2011 and November 2016. Fourteen randomised control
trials with 1701 patients in total were assessed.
Results. Significant differences in levels were found
between exercise intervention groups and control groups,
while moderate aerobic exercise interventions with an
optimal duration of ≥135 min for up to 12 weeks are
significantly more beneficial in depressive symptoms when
it comes to patients under treatment than resistance,
aerobic and resistance training and yoga interventions.
Conclusions. It is concluded that when progressive
exercise programmes are prescribed according to
the individual needs, capabilities and preferences of
breast cancer survivors, they offer a valid alternative to
depression mood management throughout the course of
survivorship.