Effects of Resistance Training Frequency on Physical Functioning and Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

• Author / Creator

  Norris, Mary K

• Background: Resistance training (RT) improves physical functioning and quality of life in prostate cancer survivors but the optimal frequency of RT is unknown. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to estimate the potential effects of 12 weeks of supervised RT for 3 days/week (n=16) versus 2 days/week (n=14) in recently diagnosed prostate cancer survivors. The primary outcome was muscular strength assessed by a multiple repetition maximum test at baseline and post-intervention. Secondary outcomes were objective physical functioning assessed by the Senior’s Fitness Test, health-related quality of life assessed by the Medical Outcomes Survey-Short Form (SF)-36 scale, and several psychosocial functioning scales. Results: A statistical trend (p<0.10) and/or potentially meaningful effect (standardized effect size d ≥0.20) was found that favored the 3 days/week group for the co-primary outcome of greater lower body strength [Mean (M)=27.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.9 to 56.5; p=0.057; d=0.72] and the secondary outcomes of improved 30-second chair stand (d=0.29; p=0.31), sit and reach (d=0.24; p=0.33), the 6 minute walk (d=0.21; p=0.42), and the SF-36 physical component summary (d=0.21; p=0.41). Conversely, a statistical trend and/or potentially meaningful effect favoring the 2 days/week group was found for the SF-36 mental component summary (d=-0.38; p=0.10), SF-36 mental health (d=-0.44; p=0.11), SF-36 vitality (d=-0.31; p=0.28), SF-36 role-emotional (d=-0.23; p=0.43), anxiety (d=0.32; p=0.29), happiness (d=-0.31; p=0.36), and perceived stress (d=0.23; p=0.39). Conclusions: RT 3 days/week appeared to improve lower body strength and physical functioning more than 2 days/week but may actually suppress some aspects of psychosocial functioning since several indices of this were better with RT twice a week.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Prostate Cancer
  • Frequency
  • Resistance Training

• Graduation date

  Spring 2015

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R32R3P516

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.