Exercise Boosts Sexual Health and Fitness in Prostate Cancer Patients: JAMA

Exercise was to be undertaken 3 days per week. The primary outcome was sexual function assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Secondary outcomes included body composition, physical function, and muscle strength. Analyses were undertaken using an intention-to-treat approach. Results- In total, 112 participants (mean [SD] age, 66.3 [7.1] years) were randomised. Mean adjusted difference in IIEF score at 6 months favored exercise compared with usual care (3.5; 95% CI, 0.3-6.6; P = .04). The mean adjusted difference for intercourse satisfaction was not significant (1.7; 95% CI, 0.1-3.2; P = .05). PESM did not result in additional improvements.

Compared with usual care, exercise also significantly improved fat mass (mean adjusted difference, −0.9 kg; 95% CI, −1.8 to −0.1 kg; P = .02), chair rise performance (mean adjusted difference, −1.8 seconds; 95% CI, −3.2 to −0.5 seconds; P = .002), and upper (mean adjusted difference, 9.4 kg; 95% CI, 6.9-11.9 kg; P < .001) and lower (mean adjusted difference, 17.9 kg; 95% CI, 7.6-28.2 kg; P < .001) body muscle strength. In this randomised clinical trial of supervised exercise, erectile function in patients with prostate cancer was improved. PESM resulted in no additional improvements. Patients with prostate cancer should be offered exercise following treatment as a potential rehabilitation measure.

Reference:

Galvão DA, Newton RU, Taaffe DR, et al. Exercise and Psychosexual Education to Improve Sexual Function in Men With Prostate Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(3):e250413. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0413