Exercising Together During Radiation Treatment

This pilot clinical trial studies how well the Exercising Together program works in helping couples cope with radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Treatments for cancer can cause side effects for the patient, such as fatigue, add stress for the spousal caregiver, and put strain on the marital relationship. The Exercising Together program is designed to promote teamwork and emotional intimacy during exercise, which itself can help manage fatigue and stress for the patient and spouse, and may facilitate communication between partners about day-to-day energy, abilities, and motivation.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. Determine the feasibility and acceptability of offering the Exercising Together program to couples during the time when men are undergoing an 8 week radiation treatment regimen. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. Examine the efficacy of partnered strength training on objective physical function, self-report function, symptoms and intimacy in both the patient and his spouse. OUTLINE: All participants complete questionnaires about their health status, physical activity habits and relationship with their spouse/partner and undergo four physical tests at baseline and at the end of the 5-8 week radiation treatment. The questionnaires are then completed one final time 8 weeks following the completion of radiation treatment. EXERCISING TOGETHER PROGRAM: Participants complete three exercise sessions (approximately 1 hour per session) per week over 5-8 weeks during radiation treatment. Participants also receive a digital video disc (DVD) of a partnered strength training exercise program to continue on their own after radiation is completed. After completion of the supervised exercise program, participants are followed up at 8 weeks.