Comparing eccentric resistance exercise in prostate cancer survivors on and off hormone therapy: a pilot study.

Objectives: To determine the feasibility of an eccentric resistance exercise training protocol in men with prostate cancer and to assess whether men with prostate cancer who are receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) have a blunted effect from the training as compared with prostate cancer survivors not receiving ADT.

Design: Prospective pilot study.

Setting: Academic medical center.

Participants: Sixteen men with prostate cancer (Gleason scores 3+3 to 4+4) were initially enrolled. Ten men (mean age 66, range 48-86) completed the study, 5 were currently receiving ADT. Analysis was performed on these 10 men.

Interventions: Subjects were evaluated at baseline. All men underwent a 12-week resistance exercise training protocol using a recumbent, high-force eccentric, leg cycle ergometer 3 times per week at a "somewhat hard" perceived exertion for 12 to 15 minutes. Preexercise and postexercise training changes were examined within and between groups.

Main Outcome Measures: Quadriceps muscle volume (magnetic resonance imaging), isometric knee extension strength, functional mobility (Timed Up and Go Test [TUG] and 6-minute walk [6MW]), health-related quality of life (FACT-P), and fatigue (FACIT-fatigue scale).

Results: The ADT group demonstrated significant within-group improvements in the 6MW (P = .01) and isometric knee extension strength (P = .03). This group also demonstrated a clinically relevant change in the FACT-P; however, this did not meet statistical significance. The non-ADT group demonstrated significant within-group improvements in the physical subscale of the FACT-P (P = .03) and an increase in muscle volume (P = .04). Their improvements in the TUG approached significance (P = .08). No between-group differences existed.

Conclusions: Eccentric resistance exercise was well tolerated, and both groups derived some benefits in strength and functional mobility. Men receiving ADT did not appear to have a blunted response to the exercise as compared with prostate cancer survivors not receiving ADT.