Does it help to start a supervised exercise program BEFORE starting ADT?

The simple answer is “yes.” 

This study involved “Fifty prostate cancer patients scheduled for ADT [who] were randomised to an exercise group (n = 24) or a control group (n = 26). The exercise group completed 3-months of supervised aerobic and resistance exercise training (2x/week for 60 min), followed by 3-months of self-directed exercise.” A variety of cardiovascular fitness variables and quality of life (QoL) variables were assessed at 3 and 6 months.

After 3 months, the exercise group showed all-around improvements in fitness. However, after the supervised exercise portion of the program ended, the benefits in cardiopulmonary fitness (and fatigue) “were not sustained.” Nevertheless, the guys in the exercise group still reported better QoL and were at lower risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease, according to the 6-month follow-up results.

Although the sample size is small, this study suggests that the best way to stay fit and have a good quality of life while on ADT is to join a supervised program before starting on ADT…and to stay with the program while on ADT. But, even if you don’t stay with the program, there are still benefits to being in a supervised exercise program when starting on ADT.

To read the study abstract, please see:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31605663

Ndjavera, W., Orange, S.T., O’Doherty, A.F., Leicht, A.S., Rochester, M., Mills, R., & Saxton, J.M. (2019). Exercise-induced attenuation of treatment side-effects in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients beginning androgen deprivation therapy: a randomised controlled trial. BJU International. Advance Online Publication.