High-intensity interval training or resistance training versus usual care in men with prostate cancer on active surveillance: a 3-arm feasibility randomized controlled trial

This study assessed the feasibility of a phase II randomized controlled trial of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance training (RT), and usual care (UC) in men with prostate cancer (PCa) on active surveillance and evaluated changes in clinically relevant outcomes. Eighteen men undergoing active surveillance for PCa were randomized to HIIT (n = 5), RT (n = 7), or UC (n = 6). Exercise participants attended 2 supervised sessions weekly and were instructed to complete 1 home-based session weekly for 8 weeks. UC participants were provided with physical activity guidelines. Feasibility was met for attendance, compliance, and retention, but not recruitment. HIIT increased leg press (mean: +8.2 kg, 95% CI 1.1 to 15.3) from baseline to 8 weeks. RT increased seated row (mean: +11.7 kg, 95% CI 6.1 to 17.3), chest press (mean: +10.4 kg, 95% CI 5.3 to 15.5), leg press (mean: +13.1 kg, 95% CI 5.9 to 20.3), serum insulin-like binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) (mean: +400.0 ng/mL, 95% CI 94.5 to 705.5), and decreased interferon-γ (mean: -3.1 pg/mL, 95% CI -5.7 to -0.4). No changes were observed in the UC group. HIIT and RT may be effective strategies for improving muscle strength; however, only RT may increase serum IGFBP-3. Strategies that can enhance recruitment in men on active surveillance are important prior to conducting a phase II trial. Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT04266262. Novelty: High-intensity interval training or resistance training are feasible during active surveillance for prostate cancer. Resistance training may suppress the tumour-promoting effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) via increased expression of IGFBP-3.