Age, Mobility Performance, and Physical Activity in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Prolonged Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Abstract

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a foundation of treatment for men with prostate cancer (PCa). However, ADT is accompanied by adverse effects that increase risk of functional decline. Although some clinical observations suggest that ADT may have a greater impact upon functional status among aged men, empirical evidence addressing age-related differences in the trajectory of adverse effects of prolonged ADT remains limited. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present pilot study was to explore differences in change in mobility performance and physical activity (PA) across 6 months among 3 different age cohorts of PCa patients undergoing ADT. METHODS: A total of 44 PC patients undergoing prolonged ADT (>6 months of treatment) were classified into 1 of 3 age cohorts: 55-64 (n=13); 65-74 (n=19); and 75+ years of age (n=12). Measures of mobility performance (400M Walk) and objectively-determined PA were obtained from men at baseline and 6 month follow-up assessments. RESULTS: Results of 3 (Age) x 2 (Time) ANOVA analysis demonstrated a significant Age main effect for mobility performance (p < .05) while the Age main effect for PA approached significance (p < .06). Post hoc analysis revealed patients in the youngest group had more favorable mobility performance relative to the middle (d = -.71) or oldest (d = -1.04) age groups and patients in the oldest group were accruing less objectively-determined PA relative to the middle (d = .65) or youngest (d = .92) age groups. However, the Age x Time interaction was not significant for mobility performance (p < .38) or PA (p < .28) indicating no differences in the trajectory of change were observed for either outcome as a function of age across time. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides some of the first preliminary evidence examining potential age-related differences in the trajectory of change in physical function and PA in PCa patients on ADT. Findings revealed that although well-established, anticipated age differences in mobility performance and PA were observed, no age-related differences in the trajectory of change in functional decline or PA emerged among PCa patients undergoing prolonged ADT.