16/07/2026
Could Pilates become a more routine part of breast cancer care?
A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in April 2026 suggests the evidence is becoming increasingly compelling.
Researchers Ryu, Im and Kim reviewed the available research on Pilates for people with breast cancer and found consistent improvements across several important health outcomes, including physical function, fatigue and quality of life. The greatest benefits were seen when Pilates was delivered as a structured, supervised exercise programme rather than as a one-off intervention.
Takeaways:
Pilates may be particularly effective for reducing pain in people with breast cancer.
The strongest evidence supports Pilates as part of multidisciplinary cancer rehabilitation.
Avoid overstating benefits for fatigue, sleep or depression; the evidence is less conclusive.
Use the evidence to support referrals and discussions with healthcare providers.
Continue to base programming on individual assessment and clinical reasoning, as no specific exercise protocols were identified.
For experienced practitioners, it's a useful reminder that programme design matters. Factors such as exercise dose, progression and supervision may be just as important as the choice of exercises themselves.
As Pilates continues to gain recognition in healthcare, research like this helps strengthen the evidence base supporting its role within multidisciplinary cancer rehabilitation.
Reference: Ryu S, Im A, Kim S. The Impact of Pilates Exercise on the Overall Health of Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Oncology Nursing Forum. 2026.
Read the full article here:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42189649/