The Effects of Physical and Mind–Body Exercise on Anxiety Among Patients with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials

Background and Objectives: Anxiety is highly prevalent among breast cancer patients and significantly impairs quality of life. Although both conventional physical exercise (PE) and mind–body interventions (MBE) are used in supportive care, their relative efficacy remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the effects of PE and MBE on anxiety in breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were systematically searched through April 2026 for controlled trials comparing structured PE or MBE with control conditions. Effect sizes were pooled as standardized mean differences (SMDs; Hedges’ g) using a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood estimation and modified Hartung–Knapp inference. Subgroup analyses and univariable meta-regressions explored potential moderators.