A Walking Intervention Among Men With Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Prostate cancer diagnosis increases risks for disease progression, cardiovascular events, and reduced quality of life.
• Men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer often face significant health challenges.
• Quality of life and cardiovascular health are critical concerns for this patient population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a randomized walking group intervention for men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer.
• To assess the intervention's impact on quality of life, circulating biomarkers, and morbidity.
• To determine if a structured walking program can benefit prostate cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Recruitment of 41 men with prostate cancer at Örebro University Hospital, Sweden.
• Randomization into an 11-week walking group intervention (n=21) or usual care (n=20).
• Intervention involved weekly 1-hour walking sessions and a daily step goal of 10,000 steps, with outcomes analyzed using ANCOVA.

Main Results:

• All participants completed the 11-week trial, with intervention group averaging 10,644 steps/day.
• The walking group showed a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by 0.14 mmol/L (P=.04).
• Suggestive improvements were noted in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and systolic blood pressure in the intervention group.

Conclusions:

• A walking group intervention is feasible for men recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• The intervention demonstrates potential effectiveness in improving cardiovascular health markers.
• Further research with larger trials and longer durations is recommended to confirm long-term benefits.