22–23 Jul 2026
Heidelberg Congress Center
Europe/Berlin timezone

Comparing aerobic and resistance exercise emphasis during androgen deprivation and radiation therapy for prostate cancer

23 Jul 2026, 14:00
45m
Heidelberg Congress Center ( Heidelberg Congress Center )

Heidelberg Congress Center

Heidelberg Congress Center

Czernyring 20 69115 Heidelberg Germany
1 - Scientific Poster Poster Session

Speaker

Dr Kira Murphy (UPMC Sports Medicine, Whitfield Hospital, Waterford, Ireland)

Description

Background
Most exercise interventions for men with prostate cancer utilise resistance and aerobic exercise, though the optimal combination of each for cardiometabolic health and quality of life (QOL) outcomes is unclear.

Objective
The objective of this study was to compare an aerobic-emphasised (AE) with a resistance-emphasised (RE) exercise intervention in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiation therapy (RT), with respect to cardiometabolic health, fitness and QOL outcomes.

Methods
A 6-month two-armed randomised pilot and feasibility study was undertaken, with the pilot data presented here. Prostate cancer patients (n=24) undergoing ADT and RT were randomised to either an AE (n=12) or RE (n=12) supervised programme.

Results
There were between group changes favouring RE (p=0.05, Cohen’s d = -0.9) in the BESS balance change scores. There were changes favouring AE in SF-36 physical function (p=0.02, Cohen’s d = 1.2) and role limitation (p=0.01, Cohen’s d = 1.3) values and haemoglobin levels (p=0.04, Cohen’s d = 1.1). There were no other between group differences.

When AE and RE data were combined, improvements were seen in the six-minute walk test (Cohen’s d = 1.4), timed up and go (Cohen’s d = −1.4), sit and reach test (Cohen’s d= 0.5), leg press (Cohen’s d = 0.8), sit-to-stand (Cohen’s d = 1.4), isokinetic peak torque assessments (Cohen’s d~ 0.6) and physical activity levels via the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (Cohen’s d = 3.3). Pre-to post-intervention reductions (p < 0.05) in systolic (Cohen’s d = −0.6) and diastolic (Cohen’s d = −0.65) blood pressure were also observed.

Conclusion
Exercise interventions involving aerobic and resistance exercise can improve functional fitness and blood pressure in prostate cancer patients. Early evidence suggests differential effects from protocols that emphasise aerobic or resistance elements. A larger study is justified.

Keywords

Prostate cancer,
Androgen deprivation therapy,
Radiation therapy,
Exercise prescription

Abstract submitters declaration yes
Conflict of Interest & Ethical Approval yes

Author

Dr Kira Murphy (UPMC Sports Medicine, Whitfield Hospital, Waterford, Ireland)

Co-authors

Dr Bróna Kehoe (Department of Sport and Exercise Science, South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland) Ciaran Fairman (University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Exercise Science Department, Columbia, South Carolina) Dr Dayle Hacking (UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Whitfield Hospital, Waterford, Ireland) Prof. Michael Harrison (Department of Sport and Exercise Science, South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland) Dr Suzanne Denieffe (School of Humanities, South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland)

Presentation materials

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