Is soccer the solution to overcoming ADT side effects?

These three studies explored the value of group exercise—specifically training in soccer—for patients on ADT. The research took place in Denmark where soccer is particularly popular, but the sample size is small; i.e., less than 30 men in both the control and football groups.

The training program ran for 12 weeks with sessions two to three times per week, led by an experienced instructor. The training included 15 minutes of warm-up so one can't tell whether the benefit came more from actually playing soccer or the various warm-up exercises. The authors nevertheless make a good case for using team sports to encourage men on ADT to exercise.

Two of the studies address the benefits of the exercise in terms of maintaining bone health, lean muscle mass, and endurance. The other paper makes the case that the social setting—the camaraderie associated with team sports—can help motivate men to exercise.

 

Uth J, Hornstrup T, Schmidt JF, Christensen JF, Frandsen C, Christensen KB, Helge EW, Brasso K, Rorth M, Midtgaard J, Krustrup P. 2014. Football training improves lean body mass in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports 24 Suppl 1:105-112. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24944134

Bruun DM, Krustrup P, Hornstrup T, Uth J, Brasso K, Rorth M, Christensen JF, Midtgaard J. 2014. "All boys and men can play football": a qualitative investigation of recreational football in prostate cancer patients. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports 24 Suppl 1:113-121. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24944135

Uth J, Hornstrup T, Christensen JF, Christensen KB, Jorgensen NR, Schmidt JF, Brasso K, Jakobsen MD, Sundstrup E, Andersen LL, Rorth M, Midtgaard J, Krustrup P, Helge EW. 2015. Efficacy of recreational football on bone health, body composition, and physical functioning in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: 32-week follow-up of the FC prostate randomised controlled trial. Osteoporos Int [Epub ahead of print] 16 November 2015. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26572756