Date of Award
2019
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
Laura Levy, DHSc, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not aerobic and resistance exercise reduces fatigue in men with prostate cancer.
STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCT’s) published in peer reviewed journals between 2013-2017.
DATA SOURCES: Data sources obtained for this review were found in using PubMed and Cochrane Library and chosen based on their relevance to the clinical question and if they included patient oriented evidence that matters (POEMS).
OUTCOMES MEASURED: All three studies measured the effect aerobic and resistance exercise has on fatigue in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and/or radiation therapy using self-reporting questionnaires.
RESULTS: All three studies contained continuous data that could not be converted to dichotomous date. P values were reported for each of the studies. The p values for every trial reported a p value of <.05 thus concluding the data to be statistically significant. Each of the studies selected found with statistical significance that aerobic and resistance exercise reduced the level of fatigue reported by the participants of the trial.
CONCLUSIONS: After analysis of the three trials, exercise can lead to a reduction in fatigue in men diagnosed with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and/or radiation therapy (RT). Exercise is a cost-effective option for patients and can have beneficial effects over other medical conditions. The populations studied in this review focused on men receiving ADT and/or RT. Future studies can focus on other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy. Further research can also include larger sample sizes and longer trials to effectively evaluate the long-term effects of exercise and fatigue.
Recommended Citation
Metz, Rachel L., "Does Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Reduce Fatigue in Men with Prostate Cancer?" (2019). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 441.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/441