A Walking Intervention Among Men With Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background Men diagnosed with prostate cancer have increased risk for disease progression, cardiovascular events and impairments in quality of life. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a randomized walking group intervention to improve quality of life, circulating biomarkers, and morbidity among men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Methods Men were recruited at Örebro University Hospital, Sweden and randomized to an 11-week walking group intervention (n=21) or usual care (n=20). The intervention included weekly 1-hour walking group sessions and maintenance of 10,000 steps/day. Outcomes were changes in body composition, clinical factors, biomarkers of cardiovascular health, and quality of life between baseline and end of study. Analysis of covariance was used to compare outcomes in each group adjusted for baseline values. Results All 41 men randomized completed the 11-week trial. Men assigned to the intervention walked on average 10,644 steps/day, and 92% reported missing two or fewer sessions. Both groups experienced similar weight loss at 11-weeks. Men in the intervention had a significant adjusted mean change in high-density lipoprotein of 0.14 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.01-0.27; p=0.04), and suggestive adjusted mean changes in low-density lipoprotein of -0.22 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.47-0.03; p=0.08) and in systolic blood pressure of -8.5 mm Hg (95% CI: -21.2-4.2; p=0.18), compared to the usual care group. Conclusions A walking group intervention among men with recent diagnosis of prostate cancer is feasible and potentially effective in improving cardiovascular health. A larger randomized trial of longer duration is required to elucidate its potential for improvement in longer-term outcomes.

The effectiveness of a Japanese style health program: comparison between Minowa, Japan and Rayong, Thailand

“…It is known that walking improves our defense against diseases and contributes to health improvement [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Walking improves health and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan supports the current physical activity guidelines [3] .…”

The Interplay between Vascular Function and Sexual Health in Prostate Cancer: The Potential Benefits of Exercise Training

“…Meanwhile only 6.7% of control group participants reported low levels of support pre-and post-intervention. Perceptions of both partner support and patient self-confidence in performing sexual activities have been shown to significantly affect sexual health in men with prostate cancer [10,55] which may help to explain the finding by Pernar et al [38].…”

“…An 11-week group-based walking (once per week) study by Pernar et al [38] did not lead to significant between-group improvements in SBP, DBP, or sexual function as assessed by a visual analogue scale with the associated question "Do you have problems with your sex life?". Interestingly, this study observed a non-significant within-group reduction in sexual function in the walking group (+25.8%) and non-significant within-group improvement in the usual care group (−28.6%).…”

“…A paucity of studies have investigated the effects of exercise interventions on both markers of vascular function and sexual health in men with prostate cancer (Table 1) [24,37,38]. Cormie et al [37] assessed the effects of 12 weeks of supervised moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic and resistance exercise performed two days per week, combined with home-based aerobic exercise training, compared to usual care in men commencing ADT.…”

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Effects of Androgen-Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

“…44 Numerous trials on exercise in patients with prostate cancer using such modalities as aerobic exercise, resistance training, and walking exercise regimens have shown benefits for improving cardiovascular health, reducing proinflammatory cytokines, and mitigating the adverse effects of fatigue from ADT. 13,[45][46][47][48][49] The ENGAGE trial demonstrated the feasibility and tolerance of a community-based exercise training program that was consistent with the American Cancer Society prostate cancer survivorship care guideline recommendation of at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, with both supervised and unsupervised sessions for men on ADT. 50 Exercise, along with daily nutritional supplementation of at least calcium 1,200 mg and vitamin D 600 IU to 1,000 IU, also helps to minimize bone loss and osteoporosis as a result of treatment with ADT.…”