How recreational therapies impact physiological and psychosocial outcomes in cancer patients: a review

Recreational Therapies (RecT) (e.g., art, dance, music, yoga, aromatherapy, Virtual Reality) are non-invasive interventions capable of enhancing the biopsychosocial wellbeing in patients, targeted to regenerate the existential dimensions of illness experience. While widely appreciated for their positive impact on quality of life, the specific biological and psychological mechanisms through which RecT exert their benefits remain underexplored in oncology. This review maps and critically discusses current evidence on the clinical impact of RecT across various stages of cancer and types of interventions, with a particular focus on targeted outcomes such as cortisol modulation, heart rate regulation, immune response, depression, anxiety, coping skills, and social support. Moreover, the review highlights how RecT may contribute to the mitigation of treatment-related side effects, including nausea, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. By synthesizing recent findings, we provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the role of RecT as integrated, evidence-informed components for oncology rehabilitation during and after therapy. This work aims to support the design of more personalized and effective supportive care strategies that resonate with patients’ values and enhance treatment adherence, resilience, and overall health.