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A systematic review of physical activity in prostate cancer survivors: outcomes, prevalence, and determinants

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Abstract

Introduction

We reviewed physical activity (PA) studies in prostate cancer (PC) survivors investigating (a) the effects of PA on health outcomes, (b) the prevalence of PA, and (c) the determinants of PA.

Materials and methods

A systematic search of the literature identified nine studies on the outcomes of PA, six studies on the prevalence of PA, and four studies on the determinants of PA in PC survivors.

Results

Results showed promising effects of PA on muscular fitness, physical functioning, fatigue, and health-related quality of life. The prevalence of PA varied widely from <30% to >70%, depending on the type of measure used. PA in PC survivors was predicted by motivational variables such as intentions, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms.

Conclusion

Although preliminary research is promising, there remains a significant amount of research to be done on the role of PA in PC survivors. Moreover, future research would benefit from larger samples using randomized controlled trial methodology.

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Acknowledgment

This work has been supported by grants from the Rehabilitation and Recreation unit (Trivselsanlegget) at Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Centre. Kerry S. Courneya is supported by the Canada Research Chairs Program.

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Correspondence to Lene Thorsen.

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Thorsen, L., Courneya, K.S., Stevinson, C. et al. A systematic review of physical activity in prostate cancer survivors: outcomes, prevalence, and determinants. Support Care Cancer 16, 987–997 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-008-0411-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-008-0411-7

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