Response: Effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms during breast cancer survivorship: a meta-analysis of randomised control trials

Click here to see the linked paper Click here to see the linked paper We would like to thank Alwardat et al for their comments about the effects of physical activity in depressive symptoms among breast cancer survivors.1.Patsou E.D. Alexias G.D. Anagnostopoulos F.G. et al.Effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms during breast cancer survivorship: a meta-analysis of randomised control trials.ESMO Open. 2017; 2: e000271doi:10.1136/esmoopen-2017-000271Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (40) Google Scholar We would like to indicate that the current meta-analysis did not compare physical activity with pharmacological interventions. The purpose of the study was to present the results of physical activity and exercise interventions in terms of type and duration regarding the depressive symptoms among breast cancer survivors during and after treatment. Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale is widely used to rate the quality of randomised controlled trials (RCT). PEDro scores are summarised and high-quality studies are those with scores from 6 to 11, fair quality from 4 to 5, and poor quality less than 4.2.Sherrington C. Herbert R.D. Maher C.G. et al.PEDro. A database of randomized trials and systematic reviews in physiotherapy.Man Ther. 2000; 5: 223-226doi:10.1054/math.2000.0372Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (335) Google Scholar For PEDro scale, points are only awarded when a criterion is clearly satisfied and reported. On a literal reading of the trial report it is possible that a criterion was not satisfied or reported; in this case, point is not awarded for that criterion. PEDro list has been used in the literature for systematic reviews and meta-analysis to assess the methodological quality of the studies.1.Patsou E.D. Alexias G.D. Anagnostopoulos F.G. et al.Effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms during breast cancer survivorship: a meta-analysis of randomised control trials.ESMO Open. 2017; 2: e000271doi:10.1136/esmoopen-2017-000271Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (40) Google Scholar, 2.Sherrington C. Herbert R.D. Maher C.G. et al.PEDro. A database of randomized trials and systematic reviews in physiotherapy.Man Ther. 2000; 5: 223-226doi:10.1054/math.2000.0372Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (335) Google Scholar, 3.Craft L.L. Vaniterson E.H. Helenowski I.B. et al.Exercise effects on depressive symptoms in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2012; 21: 3-19doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-11-0634Crossref PubMed Scopus (167) Google Scholar, 4.Smith I. Procter M. Gelber R.D. et al.2-year follow-up of trastuzumab after adjuvant chemotherapy in HER2-positive breast cancer: a randomised controlled trial.Lancet. 2007; 369: 29-36doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60028-2Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1324) Google Scholar, 5.Brown J.C. Huedo-Medina T.B. Pescatello L.S. et al.Efficacy of exercise interventions in modulating cancer-related fatigue among adult cancer survivors: a meta-analysis.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2011; 20: 123-133doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-10-0988Crossref PubMed Scopus (281) Google Scholar All studies included were RCTs and all of them were following the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format. More inclusion criteria were added from the authors in order to make a better and regional study design. Finally, the included RTCs and the results from the different types of exercise were tested for their heterogeneity with effect size measurements. Effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms during breast cancer survivorship: a meta-analysis of randomised control trialsESMO OpenVol. 2Issue 5PreviewBreast 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. Full-Text PDF Open Access