Taking Advantage of the Teachable Moment at Initial Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer—Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Supervised Exercise Training

Background Increased physical activity (PA) levels are associated with improved prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes. Sustainable PA has been linked to improved health-related quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients. The time of diagnosis of PCa may offer a critical time point when patients might be more likely to consider lifestyle changes. This, in turn, may contribute to sustainable PA and its likely benefits. Objective The aims of this study were to determine if a structured PA intervention introduced at the time of diagnosis can (1) lead to sustainable PA and (2) help improve psychosocial and QoL outcomes as compared with usual PA. Interventions/Methods This was a pilot randomized controlled trial enrolling patients with intermediate-risk PCa into either arm A (supervised 8- to 12-week physical exercise program; n = 10) or control arm B (usual PA; n = 10). Primary outcome was PA at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were QoL, psychological well-being, physical fitness, and functional outcomes postintervention. Change over time was compared using a nonparametric Wilcoxon test. Results Demographic variables were the same between arms. Comparing parameters at the start and 6 months post–radical prostatectomy, PA significantly improved in arm A (self-reported Godin score 24.7 vs 42.8 units, P
Source: Cancer Nursing - Category: Nursing Tags: ARTICLES: ONLINE ONLY Source Type: research