Comparative Effects of Different Types of Exercise Interventions on Depression in Patients With Cancer: A Network Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

Background Depression is a common psychological disorder in patients with cancer. Exercise intervention has been demonstrated as an effective non‐pharmacological intervention for improving depression. However, the relative efficacy of different types of exercise interventions remains uncertain. Objective To compare the effectiveness of different types of exercise interventions in patients with cancer. Methods Seven databases were systematically searched. Two reviewers independently conducted the data extraction and quality assessment. The random effects model was used for the meta‐analysis. Traditional pairwise meta‐analysis and network meta‐analysis were performed via STATA software. Results Forty‐nine studies with 4738 participants were included. The interventions were categorized as mind‐body exercise, aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise, resistance exercise, combined exercise, and progressive muscle relaxation. Network meta‐analysis consistently revealed the greatest therapeutic benefits of aerobic exercise (SUCRA: 68.4%), followed by combined exercise (SUCRA: 66.4%) and resistance exercise (SUCRA: 55.7%). Conclusions Exercise has potential benefits for relieving depression in patients with cancer, and it is poised to serve as a valuable complementary or alternative therapy. Large‐scale and more rigorous RCTs are needed to evaluate the long‐term effects of exercise interventions and examine intervention characteristics related to better intervention outcomes.