The Association Between Physical Activity and Uterine Leiomyoma and Its Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background and Aims: Although many studies have focused on the impact of physical activity on hormone-mediated tumors, its effect on uterine leiomyomas (UL) remains unclear. This systematic review synthesizes the scientific evidence on the role of physical activity in the occurrence and symptomatology of UL while putting forward a research agenda. Methods: The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published up to January 10, 2025. The Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality, and the GRADE tool was used to determine evidence certainty. Dear-Simonian and Laird random effects models were used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the association between physical activity and UL. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Results: Fifteen studies were included (three cross-sectional, 6 case–control, and 6 cohort studies), of which 11 were considered in the meta-analysis. The difference between women who did and did not regularly practice physical activity (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.05; I2 = 77.6%, n = 8 studies) in the likelihood of having UL did not meet conventional levels of statistical significance. Moreover, those women who engaged in more intense physical activity were less likely to have UL (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.99; I2 = 80.5%, n = 5 studies) than those who engaged in less intense physical activity. Conclusion: Increased physical activity is associated with a slight decrease in the risk of UL and may provide relief from associated symptoms. Since current evidence is still limited to supporting specific physical activity recommendations, a research agenda is proposed for future studies on this subject. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42021247505.