Study: Exercise Alleviates Fatigue in Men with Prostate Cancer

by Joy Keller

Making News:

A home-based, moderate-intensity walking program may help prevent fatigue in men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer, according to a study published in the August 1 issue of Cancer (2004; 101 [3], 550–7).

Researchers randomly assigned 66 men with prostate cancer to either an exercise group or a control group. The exercisers walked at a moderate pace for 30 minutes a day 3 days per week. Men in the control group performed their usual activities, but were advised to rest if they became fatigued.

After 4 weeks of radiotherapy, men in the control group demonstrated a “slight deterioration in physical functioning and a significant increase in fatigue.” The men who took part in the walking program showed no significant increase in fatigue. Researchers concluded that moderate exercise may help combat radiation fatigue.