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

TL;DR

This study finds that regular and higher-intensity physical activity may slightly reduce the risk of uterine leiomyomas and help with related symptoms.

Contribution

The study suggests that physical activity, especially of higher intensity, is associated with a lower risk of uterine leiomyomas.

Findings

Regular physical activity is linked to a slight decrease in the risk of uterine leiomyomas.

Higher-intensity physical activity is associated with a lower risk of uterine leiomyomas compared to lower intensity.

Current evidence supports a potential role for physical activity in alleviating symptoms of uterine leiomyomas.

Abstract

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.

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.

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; I
2 = 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; I
2 = 80.5%, n = 5 studies) than those who engaged in less intense physical activity.

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.

CRD42021247505.

What Is Known
While numerous studies have examined the impact of physical activity on hormone‐mediated tumors, its effect on uterine leiomyomas (UL) is still not well understood.

What Is New
Regular physical activity is suggested to decrease the risk of developing UL and may help alleviate symptoms associated with UL.Higher intensity of physical activity is associated with a lower risk of UL.
Clinical Implications
Encouraging regular and higher‐intensity physical activity could be a beneficial strategy in reducing the risk and alleviating symptoms of UL.

What Is Known
While numerous studies have examined the impact of physical activity on hormone‐mediated tumors, its effect on uterine leiomyomas (UL) is still not well understood.

While numerous studies have examined the impact of physical activity on hormone‐mediated tumors, its effect on uterine leiomyomas (UL) is still not well understood.

What Is New

Regular physical activity is suggested to decrease the risk of developing UL and may help alleviate symptoms associated with UL.

Higher intensity of physical activity is associated with a lower risk of UL.

Clinical Implications

Encouraging regular and higher‐intensity physical activity could be a beneficial strategy in reducing the risk and alleviating symptoms of UL.

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