Improving quality of life (QOL) is a key issue for patients with lung cancer. Exercise interventions could positively affect patients' QOL; however, there is no clear-cut understanding of the role of exercise in improving QOL in patients with lung cancer. The PubMed®, Embase®, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched from inception to September 6, 2019. 16 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. A qualitative synthesis method was used to identify the effect of exercise interventions on QOL in patients with lung cancer. This review indicates that exercise interventions may have beneficial effects on the QOL of patients with lung cancer. The effectiveness seems to be affected by the duration of the intervention, as well as exercise frequency, intensity, and adherence. Exercise interventions can be integrated into management plans for patients with lung cancer to improve their QOL. Healthcare providers should consider developing optimal exercise prescriptions to maximize the results for this population.

To investigate the effectiveness of home-based exercise training on exercise capacity, dyspnea, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A systematic literature search of the Cochrane Central Register of Randomized Controlled Trials, Embase®, PubMed®, and Web of Science databases was performed for articles published through July 22, 2018. The meta-analysis was conducted with Review Manager, version 5.3, following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. 10 articles with a total of 453 patients met the inclusion criteria. Home-based exercise training was found to increase the six-minute walk distance. In addition, anxiety was also improved after the intervention. However, no improvements in dyspnea, depression, or HRQOL were observed. Home-based exercise training as a nursing intervention for promoting the rehabilitation of patients with lung cancer can be recommended, but more research should be undertaken to determine the most effective exercises and follow-up methods.