Author(s): Cardoso, Carla ; Lumini Landeiro, Maria José ; Martins, Teresa
Date: 2025
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/57522
Origin: Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto
Subject(s): family caregivers; exercise program; muscle relaxation; burden; stress; systematic review
Background and aim: Caring for someone can be physically and psychologically demanding, predisposing caregivers to muscle injuries, fatigue, exhaustion, depression, anxiety, and burnout. The literature suggests several approaches to reducing caregiver burden, one of which is physical exercise. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the eectiveness of exercise-based programs or muscle relaxation in reducing caregiver burden and stress among family caregivers. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was performed in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases and through the EBSCOhost aggregator (CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, and SportDiscus). Studies were selected based on the PICODacronym. Results: Eleven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two other experimental studies were included. The reviewed programs encompassed aerobics, strengthening, and muscle relaxation exercises, delivered by various professionals in diverse settings, such as caregivers’ homes, gyms, and hospital environments. Although the programs varied in type, duration, and structure, the majority of the studies demonstrated positive eects on caregivers’ physical and psychological well-being, along with reductions in burden and stress. Conclusion: The results suggest that physical exercise interventions are eective in reducing caregiver burden and stress, while also enhancing overall well- being. Future strategies should emphasize the importance of raising awareness among caregivers about adopting healthy lifestyles, with a particular focus on regular physical activity, as a means of relaxation and self-care. To maximize the eectiveness of these interventions, incorporating flexible, home-based components and engaging multidisciplinary teams could enhance accessibility, adherence, and impact.
