The effect of exercise training on exercise capacity, symptom severity, psychological status, and quality of life in patients with lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Background Exercise-based interventions are widely employed as non-pharmacological treatment approaches in patients with lung cancer. Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of exercise interventions on exercise capacity, symptom severity, psychological status, and quality of life in lung cancer patients. Methods A literature search was conducted across six online databases—Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, and PEDro—using keywords related to lung cancer, exercise, and outcomes (e.g., quality of life, dyspnea, fatigue, and exercise capacity) up to December 2025. Using the Cochrane Review Manager, analyses were conducted with I2 and Chi-square statistics to assess heterogeneity. Effect sizes were calculated using Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) and presented in forest plots. Results A total of 28 studies involving 2009 participants were included. Exercise interventions significantly improved exercise capacity (SMD = 0.41) and reduced dyspnea (SMD = -0.39). Although reductions were observed in fatigue (SMD = -0.39), the effect was not statistically significant. Exercise interventions also reduced anxiety (SMD = -0.44), depression (SMD = -0.78), and enhanced quality of life (SMD = 0.58). Conclusion Exercise interventions demonstrated significant physical and psychological benefits for lung cancer patients.