Impact Of A Home-based Exercise Program In Men With Prostate Cancer

Abstract

PURPOSE: Physical activity after cancer diagnosis is associated with better cancer-specific and overall survival in individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa). The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that a home-based exercise program improves quality of life (QoL), physical fitness, and functional capacity in men with PCa under active surveillance. METHODS: A single-group, self-controlled study design was used to test the hypothesis. A total of 30 men are planned to complete the 6-month home-based exercise study. The 24-week home-based exercise program consisted of weekly light calisthenic exercise (i.e., incline pushups, body weight squats, and hip thrusts) and 150 minutes of light-to-moderate walking (monitored via FitBit). Participants completed the Short Form (SF-36) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) surveys. Anthropometric measurements (i.e., height, weight, and body mass index; BMI) were measured and functional exercise capacity was assessed using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS: At this time, five men with PCa (age: 69 ± 3; BMI: 27.4 ± 3.2) under active surveillance have completed the 24-week home-based exercise program with 100% adherence rates for weekly activity. As a result, we have observed substantial improvements in BMI (Pre: 27.4 ± 3.2; Post: 25.4 ± 2.0; -7.6%), 6MWT distance (Pre: 494.0 ± 38.3 meters; Post: 565.4 ± 8.3 meters; 14.5%) and SF-36 subscale of social functioning (Pre: 81 ± 21.3; Post: 72.5 ± 39.1; 17.2%). Modest improvements were reported for the SF-36 subscale of emotional well-being (Pre: 75.2 ± 23.7; Post: 78 ± 34.1; 3.7%) and FACIT-F subscales of functional well-being (Pre: 22.8 ± 1.3; Post: 23.5 ± 6.4; 5.9%). No other changes greater than 5% have been reported. CONCLUSIONS: This home-based exercise program was shown to be feasible with promising outcomes in body mass, physical performance and indicators of quality of life. Though it is too early to determine statistically, the results are trending towards supporting the hypothesis that a structured home-based exercise program can lower BMI and improve both QoL and functional exercise capacity.