# Preventing a Decline in Physical Function in Older Androgen-Deprived Men with Structured Exercise Training

> **NIH NIH R21** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2020 · $278,803

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The overall goal of this proposal is to determine the efficacy of resistance exercise training in preventing the
decline in physical function in men with prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
As testosterone has a central role in the stimulation of prostate tissue, ADT is the cornerstone of treatment in
men with high grade and metastatic PCa. ADT results in castrate levels of serum testosterone and this
profound androgen deficiency leads to a reduction in lean mass and an increase in fat mass. These
perturbations in body composition follow an aggressive course in these men as loss of lean mass is evident
within 6-8 weeks of starting ADT. These unfavorable changes in body composition result in decreased muscle
strength, which in turn, results in a decline in physical function. These adverse effects have serious
consequences as men on ADT have a higher risk of frailty and falls compared with men with PCa who do not
undergo ADT and are only treated with prostatectomy. Despite declines in these functional tasks that are
patient-important and critical to maintenance of independence, not a single randomized trial has been
performed in these men to evaluate the efficacy of a structured exercise regimen in preventing decline in
physical function. A handful of previous studies had only enrolled men who were already receiving ADT and
had already encountered significant muscle atrophy; therefore, as expected, no meaningful improvements in
physical function were seen. Furthermore, previous studies did not provide equal attention to control groups.
We propose a randomized, controlled, parallel group trial to determine the efficacy of 6-months of structured
resistance exercise training in preventing the decline in physical function (assessed by loaded stair
climbing power) in men age 60 years and older who are about to begin ADT for PCa. We will also provide
equal attention to the control group using structured, patient-important, but outcome innocuous interventions
(flexibility and balance exercises). We will also evaluate the efficacy of exercise training on muscle mass
(DEXA scan), muscle strength (1RM method), QOL (SF-36 questionnaire) and fatigue (FACIT-F
questionnaire). The findings of this trial will lay the groundwork for definitive intervention trials to prevent hard
outcomes of frailty and falls in men undergoing ADT. As frailty imposes a significant public health burden and
is associated with diminished functional capacity and resilience, the proposed trial is likely to have a substantial
clinical impact in the overall health and independence of this patient population.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9868561
- **Project number:** 1R21AG065537-01
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Shehzad Basaria
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $278,803
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-02-01 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9868561

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9868561, Preventing a Decline in Physical Function in Older Androgen-Deprived Men with Structured Exercise Training (1R21AG065537-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9868561. Licensed CC0.

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