Supported Resistance Training for Prostate Cancer Patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Supported progressive resistance exercise for countering the adverse side effects of prostate cancer treatment
IRAS ID
202404
Contact name
John Saxton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumbria University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 17 days
Research summary
Exercise interventions reduce cancer-related fatigue, strengthen immune function and improve quality of life in prostate cancer patients who have undergone various treatments. Aerobic exercise is reported to improve peak oxygen uptake, decrease fatigue and prevent a decline in physical function during treatment. Resistance training interventions are also effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue but may bring about more beneficial effects compared to aerobic training in relation to muscle strength, quality of life and well-being, as well as reductions in blood pressure and waist circumference after prostate cancer treatments. Supervised resistance training interventions could also generate longer-term improvements (~6 months) when compared to aerobic exercise or standard care. The health benefits gained from supervised resistance exercise can be sustained with a home-based exercise programme. Home-based exercise also reduces some of the challenges effecting adherence to a supervised programme such as environmental and financial factors.
The study comprises of three distinct phases. Phase 1 consists of a systematic review and qualitative data collection to help understand the health status and exercise needs of men who have been treated for prostate cancer (radical prostatectomy and androgen deprivation therapy). Phase 2 comprises of programme development sessions and experimental pilot work with small groups of prostate cancer patients to develop and refine the progressive resistance exercise intervention(s). Phase 3 is a 2-arm randomised controlled study of a supported progressive resistance exercise intervention in prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy. Patients will be randomised to the exercise intervention or standard care control group.
The overarching aim of this project is to develop and/or assess the effects of home-based progressive resistance exercise programmes following radical prostatectomy and androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer patients.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
16/SS/0143
Date of REC Opinion
8 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion