A Comparison of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise to Counteract Treatment Side Effects in Men With Prostate Cancer

A Comparison of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise for Counteracting the Adverse Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Men With Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. Those in the intermediate/high-risk categories typically receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiotherapy. ADT greatly reduces androgen production as prostate cancer is dependent on testosterone and dihydrotestosterone for its growth.The side effects of ADT therapy are extensive and include changes in body composition (muscle loss, bone loss and fat gain), strength, mood, physical function, sexual function and increased cardiovascular risk and fatigue. Many of these side effects can be influenced by exercise training, both resistance training and aerobic training. However, the most appropriate exercise regime for men undergoing ADT has received little research attention.

Although many interventions for prostate survivors emphasise resistance exercise to maintain muscle mass and strength. Arguments could equally be made for programmes emphasising aerobic exercise for fatigue, anxiety, cardiovascular risk reduction and indeed overall survival.

Comparisons of programmes that emphasise each exercise mode are clearly required.

Therefore the overall purpose of this feasibility and pilot randomised control trial is to determine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an aerobic emphasised exercise program (AE) verses a resistance emphasise exercise program (RE) in a rehabilitation setting, over 6 months, for prostate cancer men undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT).

Inclusion Criteria:

• >18 years of age with a histologically diagnosed prostate cancer
• Prescribed ADT (Androgen deprivation Therapy)
• Self-reported not to be partaking in regular exercise (structured aerobic or resistance training ≥ 2 sessions/week) in the past 3 months.
• Medically cleared to exercise by their oncologist

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior exposure to ADT >12 months
• Prior hypogonadism
• Established metastatic bone disease
• Established Osteoporosis
• Musculoskeletal/Cardiovascular and/or Neurological disease that could put them at risk from exercise as judged by the attending physician.