The Effect on Bone Outcomes of Home-based Exercise Intervention for Prostate Cancer Survivors Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Cancer treatment–induced bone loss has important long-term effects in prostate cancer survivors (PCSs) receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), but little is known about preventive interventions. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a 6-month home-based exercise intervention in PCSs. In this pilot, randomized controlled trial, 51 men (mean age, 70.8 years) were randomized to a 6-month home-based exercise intervention for preventing osteoporosis group (n = 26) or an exercise placebo intervention of stretching exercise group (n = 25). Primary outcomes were bone mineral density and bone turnover markers. Secondary outcomes were physical performance (level of physical activity, muscle strength, and balance) and health-related quality of life. The patient retention rate for 6 months was 80.4%. The mean adherence rate was 84.7% for weight-bearing exercise and 64.8% for resistance exercise. No adverse events during the study period were reported. Although primary outcomes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups, the home-based exercise intervention for preventing osteoporosis group demonstrated significantly greater increased muscle strength than the stretching exercise group. A home-based exercise program is relatively feasible and safe and may improve muscle strength but not bone outcomes. Given the importance of preventing cancer treatment–induced bone loss among PCSs receiving ADT, a home-based exercise intervention can be considered, but further trials with a larger sample are required to determine its effect for bone outcomes.