The Effect on Bone Outcomes of Home-based Exercise Intervention for Prostate Cancer Survivors Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cancer treatment-induced bone loss has important long-term effects in prostate cancer survivors (PCSs) receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), but little is known about preventive interventions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a 6-month home-based exercise intervention in PCSs.

METHODS: In this pilot, randomized controlled trial, 51 men (mean age, 70.8 years) were randomized to a 6-month home-based exercise intervention for preventing osteoporosis group (n = 26) or an exercise placebo intervention of stretching exercise group (n = 25). Primary outcomes were bone mineral density and bone turnover markers. Secondary outcomes were physical performance (level of physical activity, muscle strength, and balance) and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS: The patient retention rate for 6 months was 80.4%. The mean adherence rate was 84.7% for weight-bearing exercise and 64.8% for resistance exercise. No adverse events during the study period were reported. Although primary outcomes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups, the home-based exercise intervention for preventing osteoporosis group demonstrated significantly greater increased muscle strength than the stretching exercise group.

CONCLUSIONS: A home-based exercise program is relatively feasible and safe and may improve muscle strength but not bone outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Given the importance of preventing cancer treatment-induced bone loss among PCSs receiving ADT, a home-based exercise intervention can be considered, but further trials with a larger sample are required to determine its effect for bone outcomes.