Randomized, Controlled Trial Of Resistance Exercise In Prostate Cancer Survivors On Adt: Preliminary Findings

Abstract

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common treatment for prostate cancer survivors with advanced disease. Side effects of ADT are rapid bone and muscle loss and fat gain that can compromise physical fitness and function. PURPOSE: To present preliminary data from an on-going randomized controlled one-year trial of strength training (STR) versus a control program of flexibility training (FLEX) in prostate cancer survivors on ADT. METHODS: To date, 32 men completed one year of exercise, baseline and 12 month testing (STR n=22 and FLEX n=10). Selected measures include the following: strength by 1-repetition maximum bench press (BPmax) and leg press (LPmax), functional strength by time to complete 5 chair stands (CStime) and grip strength (GRP); and physical function by the physical performance battery (PPB). Paired t-tests were used to evaluate within group differences and unpaired t-tests were used to compare differences between groups over time using % change values. RESULTS: There were no differences at baseline between groups in age, weight, height or physical function (p>.05). After one year, there were no significant differences between groups for any measure. Within groups, the STR group improved in the PPB (p<.02), CS time (p<.01) and showed a trend for increased LPmax (p=.06) (Table 1.).TABLE 1: % change in physical fitness and physical function measures after 12 months of trainingCONCLUSION: These preliminary data suggest that one year of strength training improves lower body strength and physical functioning in men on ADT for prostate cancer. Definitive conclusions are precluded until the trial is complete. Supported by the Lance Armstrong Foundation