Effect of the exercise programme on the quality of life of prostate cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the exercise programme on the quality of life of prostate cancer (PCa) survivors. Methods A randomized controlled, parallel trial was conducted from April 2017 to January 2018 on 80 PCa survivors. They were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (n = 40 in each group). The exercise programme was designed based on the self‐management approach (SMA). The intervention group participated in a 12‐week exercise programme consisting of one session of group exercise and three sessions of individual exercise per week using exercise facilities in the community. Data were collected using the quality of life questionnaires and the follow‐up checklist. Results In the intervention group, statistically significant improvements in physical, role, emotional, social and sexual functions were reported. Also, the patients in this group reported reduced fatigue, insomnia, constipation, diarrhoea, urinary, bowel and hormonal treatment‐related symptoms in comparison with before the exercise programme (p < 0.05). Conclusions Nurses are suggested to plan for improving the participation of PCa survivors in exercise programmes using exercise facilities in the community in order to reduce the complications of treatment and improve their quality of life. SUMMARY STATEMENT What is already known about this topic? Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common types of cancer in men across the globe. Given the increased survival rate of patients with PCa, interventions are required for improving their quality of life. There is a lack of knowledge about the effect of physical activity on the quality of life of PCa survivors. What this paper adds? The exercise programme based on the self‐management approach, use of exercise facilities in the community and group exercise can improve the quality of life of PCa survivors. Participation in the exercise programme can help with the reduction of physical and psychological complications of PCa. The implications of this paper: Nurses should encourage PCa survivors to participate in the exercise programme for reducing treatment complications and improving their quality of life. Nurses can use exercise facilities in the community to improve the participation of PCa survivors in healthcare initiatives aiming at the improvement of their quality of life. The examination of the effect of exercise programmes on well‐being and health‐related quality of life of PCa survivors needs fur