A randomized trial of aerobic versus resistance exercise in prostate cancer survivors

J Aging Phys Act. 2013 Oct;21(4):455-78. doi: 10.1123/japa.21.4.455. Epub 2012 Dec 10.

Abstract

Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) has side effects that significantly impair health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Exercise ameliorates many side effects of ADT, but different modalities, particularly in the home-based setting, have not been well studied. In this study the authors randomly assigned 66 PCa survivors receiving ADT to 6 mo of home-based aerobic or resistance training. Psychosocial well-being and physical fitness were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 mo, and then 6 mo postintervention. Intention-to-treat analyses showed that fatigue and HRQOL were not significantly different between groups; however, in a per-protocol analysis the resistance-exercise training group demonstrated clinically significant improvements in HRQOL. Differential within-group effects on physical fitness were also observed at various time points. At all time points, the aerobic-training group engaged in significantly more physical activity than the resistance-training group, a finding that should be further examined given evidence-based guidelines for activity volume in cancer survivors.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Androgen Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Fatigue / physiopathology
  • Home Care Services
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Compliance
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / rehabilitation*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Resistance Training
  • Survivors*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists