Golf Exercise for Prostate Cancer Survivors

(GREENS Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Garry Cai

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Southern California

Must be taking: Androgen deprivation therapy

Disqualifiers: Second cancer, Bone metastases, Cardiovascular, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 10 weeks

20 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a golf exercise program might improve life for men who have survived prostate cancer and are receiving ongoing treatment. Golf involves physical actions like swinging, walking, and balancing, which can boost physical and mental health. The study examines how these exercises affect overall well-being, including mental and social aspects, after cancer treatment. Men with prostate cancer who are undergoing hormone therapy and have little to no golf experience might be a good fit for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance the quality of life for prostate cancer survivors.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does require participants to be on androgen deprivation therapy or an androgen receptor blocker for more than 6 months.

What prior data suggests that this golf exercise program is safe for prostate cancer survivors?

Research shows that playing golf as a form of exercise is safe and manageable. One study found that this program improved both physical fitness and mental sharpness in healthy older adults, with over 90% of participants continuing with it. This high level of participation suggests that people found the exercise enjoyable and manageable.

The golf program includes group sessions with a professional, helping participants learn the sport and exercise safely. Participants perform warm-up exercises, receive golf lessons, and play on a short course. This variety of activities is designed to be beneficial without being too strenuous.

Overall, evidence suggests that the golf exercise program is safe and supports both physical and mental well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the golf exercise program for prostate cancer survivors because it offers a unique, holistic approach to recovery that blends physical activity with social interaction. Unlike standard treatments that typically focus on medical or surgical interventions, this program incorporates golf training with pelvic floor muscle exercises, potentially improving physical and mental well-being. By engaging participants in a fun, supportive environment, the program may enhance quality of life and aid in the recovery process, making it an appealing adjunct to traditional cancer therapies.

What evidence suggests that this golf exercise program is effective for prostate cancer survivors?

This trial will evaluate the effects of a golf exercise program specifically designed for prostate cancer survivors. Studies have shown that joining such a program can boost both physical and mental abilities in healthy older adults, with over 90% of participants continuing with the program. Research indicates that activities like golf can improve overall quality of life, especially for prostate cancer survivors. Golf engages all muscle groups, enhancing physical function. It also provides mental benefits, such as improved thinking skills and social well-being. For those undergoing treatments like androgen deprivation therapy, these benefits can be particularly helpful in managing side effects and improving life after cancer treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

George Salem, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Southern California

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for underrepresented prostate cancer survivors who can participate in physical activities. It's designed to help improve their quality of life, functional abilities, and psychosocial health after treatment. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a man aged between 55 and 85.

No or minimal golf experience (played < 5 times in the past 10 years)

English speaking

Exclusion Criteria

My asthma or COPD is not under control.

I have a movement disorder or partial paralysis.

I have not had any injuries or orthopedic surgeries in the last 6 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 10-week golf training program with PGA professionals, including warm-up exercises, pelvic floor muscle training, golf instruction, practice, and play on a Par 3 course. Participants also wear an activity tracker and undergo blood sample collection.

10 weeks

2 visits per week (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments of physical capacity, psychosocial wellness, health, and cognition.

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Golf Recreational Exercise

Trial Overview The study tests a golf recreational exercise program tailored for prostate cancer survivors. It involves various activities like walking on uneven terrain, balance tasks, and using all muscle groups during the golf swing to see if it benefits survivorship.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Supportive care (golf program) Experimental Treatment 9 Interventions

Patients participate in the golf training program composed of group sessions over 1-2 hours with a PGA professional two times per week for ten weeks. Training consists of complimentary/warm up exercises integrated with pelvic floor muscle training, golf instruction, golf practice, and golf play on a Par 3 public golf course. Patients also wear an activity tracker and undergo blood sample collection on the study.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Southern California

Lead Sponsor

Trials

956

Recruited

1,609,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Golf can be an effective way for fully vaccinated prostate cancer survivors to enhance their physical and psychological well-being, as it improves musculoskeletal function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and overall quality of life.

Before participating in a community golf program, prostate cancer survivors should undergo a fitness evaluation by a certified exercise physiologist to ensure safety and appropriate grouping based on fitness levels, with recommended activities including moderate-intensity golf sessions twice a week.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

From uro-oncologists' perspectives: golf as a means of improving wellbeing among prostate cancer survivors. Okechukwu, CE., Agag, A., Naushad, N., et al.[2022]

A four-session individualized and supervised exercise program significantly improved various health metrics in 51 prostate cancer survivors, including muscle strength (17.6% increase) and exercise capacity (9.3% increase), indicating that even short-duration programs can be beneficial.

Participants also experienced improvements in physical function and positive well-being, suggesting that this exercise regimen is both safe and feasible for prostate cancer survivors, warranting further investigation through randomized controlled trials.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a brief exercise program on the physical and psychosocial health of prostate cancer survivors: A pilot study. Skinner, TL., Peeters, GG., Croci, I., et al.[2018]

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of community-based football as a physical activity intervention for 200 prostate cancer patients over six months, focusing on improving quality of life and physical health outcomes.

The trial will assess safety by monitoring falls and fractures, ensuring that the football program is not only beneficial but also safe for participants undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of community-based football compared to usual care in men with prostate cancer: Protocol for a randomised, controlled, parallel group, multicenter superiority trial (The FC Prostate Community Trial). Bjerre, E., Bruun, DM., Tolver, A., et al.[2018]

A 12-week exercise program significantly improved the quality of life for 80 prostate cancer survivors, enhancing physical, emotional, social, and sexual functions while reducing treatment-related symptoms like fatigue and insomnia.

The study suggests that community-based exercise programs can effectively help prostate cancer survivors manage their symptoms and improve overall well-being, highlighting the importance of nurse-led initiatives to encourage participation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of the exercise programme on the quality of life of prostate cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial. Mardani, A., Pedram Razi, S., Mazaheri, R., et al.[2021]

A study involving 423 prostate cancer survivors found that a self-administered implementation intention intervention significantly increased physical activity by 168 minutes per week after one month, compared to 86 minutes in the standard recommendation group.

While the self-administered approach was effective in the short term, the study suggests that combining it with additional strategies and more frequent interventions could enhance long-term exercise adherence and quality of life.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized controlled trial of a behavior change intervention to increase physical activity and quality of life in prostate cancer survivors. McGowan, EL., North, S., Courneya, KS.[2018]

In a survey of 137 prostate cancer survivors, those who were physically active reported significantly higher quality of life scores and lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels compared to those who were less active.

The results suggest that physical activity may help manage the side effects of prostate cancer treatments and improve social participation, highlighting the need for further research on the types of physical activities that best enhance quality of life for these patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Cross-Sectional Comparison of Quality of Life Between Physically Active and Underactive Older Men With Prostate Cancer. Boisen, S., Krägeloh, C., Shepherd, D., et al.[2018]

Participation in dragon boating provided significant psychosocial benefits for prostate cancer survivors, helping them establish social support systems and positively reframe their cancer experiences.

While physical benefits were noted, the study emphasizes that the social and emotional support gained from dragon boating may be a crucial aspect of recovery and wellbeing for these men.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"One stroke, with twenty-two people": exploring prostate cancer survivors' participation in dragon boating. Cinà, IV., Di Sebastiano, KM., Faulkner, GE.[2021]

Citations

1. cancer.gov cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/NCI-2023-09213

Golf Recreational Exercise for the Enhancement of ... This clinical trial evaluates a golf recreational exercise program for enhancing survivorship in underrepresented prostate cancer survivors. Golf is a ...

2. sites.usc.edu sites.usc.edu/golfscience/golf-recreational-exercise-for-enhanced-survivorship-in-underrepresented-prostate-cancer-survivors-proposal/

Golf Recreational Exercise for Enhanced Survivorship ... - USC We have demonstrated that the golf program can feasibly and safely improve physical capacity and cognitive function in healthy older adults, with >90% adherence ...

3. careacross.com careacross.com/clinical-trials/trial/NCT06500169

Golf Recreational Exercise for Enhanced Survivorship in ... Summary: This clinical trial evaluates a golf recreational exercise program for enhancing survivorship in underrepresented prostate cancer survivors. Golf is a ...

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-carcinoma-8-2023-5e76e

Golf Exercise for Prostate Cancer Survivors (GREENS Trial) This clinical trial evaluates a golf recreational exercise program for enhancing survivorship in underrepresented prostate cancer survivors. Golf is a ...

5. digitalcommons.wku.edu digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8126&context=ijesab

Baseline Characteristics of Participants Enrolled in the Golf ... Baseline Characteristics of Participants Enrolled in the Golf. Recreational Exercise for Enhanced Prostate Cancer Survivorship. Study. GUANRONG CAI, & GEORGE ...