A new study has shown that six months of supervised resistance and aerobic exercise significantly improves sexual function in men with prostate cancer. The research, conducted at university-affiliated exercise clinics, involved 112 participants who were randomly assigned to three groups: one group undertook a 6-month exercise regimen, another received the same exercise combined with brief psychosexual education and self-management (PESM), while the third group received usual care.
The findings revealed that the group engaging in supervised exercise experienced notable improvements in erectile function compared to the usual care group. Specifically, the exercise group had a mean adjusted difference in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score of 3.5, a statistically significant improvement. However, the addition of PESM did not yield any further benefits, suggesting that exercise alone is a sufficient intervention for enhancing sexual function in these patients.
The study also highlighted additional positive outcomes for the exercise group, including improvements in fat mass, chair rise performance, and both upper and lower body muscle strength. These findings support the use of exercise as an integral part of rehabilitation for men with prostate cancer, particularly for those experiencing sexual dysfunction following treatment.
Overall, the study underscores the effectiveness of exercise in managing the physical challenges faced by men with prostate cancer and advocates for its inclusion in treatment plans.
Reference
Galvão DA 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.
