Group Exercise Program for Prostate Cancer Survivors and Caregivers

Overseen By Marjorie Barrera

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Arizona

Disqualifiers: Cognitive difficulties, Pregnancy, Diabetes, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 3 months

45 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and effects of an adapted Exercising Together, a partnered resistance training program, on the physical and mental health of prostate cancer survivors and their informal caregiver. The Exercising Together program is designed to promote teamwork during supervised group exercise classes delivered remotely through videoconferencing software. The intervention period will be 3-months with a 3-month follow-up.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if your medication makes it unsafe to participate in moderate exercise, you may not be eligible.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Exercising Together Program for prostate cancer survivors and caregivers?

Research shows that partnered strength training, like the Exercising Together Program, can improve both physical and mental health for prostate cancer survivors and their spouse caregivers. Exercise programs for prostate cancer survivors have been found to enhance quality of life and are beneficial for health-related aspects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Group Exercise Program for Prostate Cancer Survivors and Caregivers safe?

The research articles reviewed do not provide specific safety data for the Group Exercise Program or its variations, such as Exercising Together or EMBRACE, for prostate cancer survivors and caregivers. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

How is the Exercising Together treatment unique for prostate cancer survivors?

The Exercising Together program is unique because it involves partnered strength training for both prostate cancer survivors and their caregivers, focusing on improving physical and mental health for both partners, which is not commonly addressed in other treatments. ^{1 2 4 9 10}

Research Team

Meghan B Skiba, PhD, MS, MPH, RDN

Principal Investigator

University of Arizona College of Nursing Biobehavioral Health Science Division

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Hispanic individuals who have completed primary treatment for prostate cancer at least 6 weeks ago and their caregivers, who can be anyone providing unpaid support. Participants must be over 18, understand English or Spanish, able to exercise and willing to attend online classes and complete surveys.

Inclusion Criteria

Meets the American College of Sports Medicine pre-participation screening criteria for exercise

I can walk by myself or with help from devices.

I am willing to join online exercise classes, do remote assessments, and fill out surveys for the study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a partnered resistance training program, Exercising Together, for 3 months with supervised group exercise classes delivered remotely.

3 months

3 sessions per week (remote)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for physical function, quality of life, and relationship health after the intervention.

3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Exercising Together

Trial Overview The study tests the 'Exercising Together' program—a partnered resistance training routine conducted via videoconferencing software. It aims to improve physical and mental health of prostate cancer survivors and their caregivers over a period of 3 months with a follow-up after another 3 months.

Participant Groups

Group I: Exercising Together Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Dyads perform partnered exercise over 1 hour, 3 days per week in a supervised, group setting remotely for 3 months.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Arizona

Lead Sponsor

Trials

545

Recruited

161,000+

Findings from Research

A systematic review of exercise trials in prostate cancer survivors found that while 93% of studies applied the principle of specificity in exercise programming, other key principles like progression and overload were less frequently applied, indicating potential inadequacies in exercise stimulus.

Although 79% of studies reported the components of the exercise prescription, none fully reported participant adherence to the prescribed programs, highlighting a gap that could hinder understanding the optimal exercise dose for this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Attention to the principles of exercise training in exercise studies on prostate cancer survivors: a systematic review. Neil-Sztramko, SE., Medysky, ME., Campbell, KL., et al.[2020]

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 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]

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]

Couples coping with prostate cancer who participated in a partnered exercise program (Exercising Together) experienced significant increases in affectionate behaviors among wives compared to those in a usual care group, suggesting that collaborative physical activities can enhance physical intimacy.

The study involved 64 couples over a 6-month period, but no significant changes in affectionate or sexual behaviors were observed for husbands, indicating that the benefits of partnered exercise may be more pronounced for wives.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of partnered exercise on physical intimacy in couples coping with prostate cancer. Lyons, KS., Winters-Stone, KM., Bennett, JA., et al.[2018]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Attention to the principles of exercise training in exercise studies on prostate cancer survivors: a systematic review. [2020]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Benefits of partnered strength training for prostate cancer survivors and spouses: results from a randomized controlled trial of the Exercising Together project. [2022]

3. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of the exercise programme on the quality of life of prostate cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial. [2021]

4. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a brief exercise program on the physical and psychosocial health of prostate cancer survivors: A pilot study. [2018]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Qualitative Evaluation of a Community-Based Physical Activity and Yoga Program for Men Living With Prostate Cancer: Survivor Perspectives. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Clinician Referral and 12-Week Exercise Training Program for Men With Prostate Cancer: Outcomes to 12 Months of the ENGAGE Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. [2018]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A multi-centre investigation of delivering national guidelines on exercise training for men with advanced prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy in the UK NHS. [2022]

8. England 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. [2018]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of partnered exercise on physical intimacy in couples coping with prostate cancer. [2018]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Compliance to exercise-oncology guidelines in prostate cancer survivors and associations with psychological distress, unmet supportive care needs, and quality of life. [2022]