This study aimed to investigate whether functionally based resistance exercise can improve strength, physical function, and disability among prostate cancer survivors (PCS) on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); and to explore potential mediators of changes in outcomes from exercise. Maximal leg press and bench press strength, objective and self-reported physical function, and self-reported disability served as the main outcome measures. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test for significant group × time differences adjusting for covariates. Retention in the study was 84%, and median attendance to supervised classes was 84% in the resistance group. There were no occurrences of study-related injuries. Maximal leg strength (P=.032) and bench press strength (P=.027) were improved after 1 year of resistance training, while little change occurred from stretching. Self-reported physical function improved with resistance training, whilst reductions occurred from stretching (P=.016). Disability decreased more with resistance training than stretching (P=.018). One-year change in leg press strength mediated the relation between groups (resistance or stretching) and 1-year change in self-reported disability (P<.05
The study found one year of resistance training to improve muscle strength in androgen-deprived PCS. Strengthening muscles using functional movement patterns could be an important feature of exercise programs designed to improve perceptions of physical function and disability. Findings from this study add to the mounting evidence that exercise should become a routine component of clinical care in older men with advanced prostate cancer