Berglund, G., Petersson, L. M., Eriksson, K. C., Wallenius, L., Roshanai, A., Nordin, K. M., . . . Häggman, M. (2007). \"Between Men\": a psychosocial rehabilitation programme for men with prostate cancer. Acta Oncologica, 46, 83–89.

Each of the three intervention programs included seven sessions. Group size varied from 3 to 10 participants. The physical training session lasted 60 minutes and consisted of light physical activity with movement and fitness training, relaxation, sitting, and breathing exercises. A booster session was held two months after the conclusion of training exercises. In the 60-minute information session, emphasis was placed on providing participants with information about prostate cancer, its treatment and side effects, and effective means to cope with side effects. Participants were encouraged to discuss their experiences and reactions regarding diagnosis and to communicate with group leaders and other participants. In the 135-minute information and physical training session, participants were given physical training and information in the same session. In the control, participants receiving standard care could telephone a nurse if they had questions. Questionnaire materials were obtained two weeks after inclusion into the study and at the six- and 12-month follow-ups.

• The study included 211 men diagnosed with prostate cancer within six months. 
• Mean age was 69 years (range 43–86).
• Twenty percent of participants had metastasis.
• The most common curative treatment was radical prostatectomy.
• Proportions of marriage (80%) and retirement (70%) were comparable among the groups.
• Participants were excluded if they had another cancer diagnosis, participated in other studies, were participants in other care programs, had hearing/vision impairment, were non-Swedish speaking, or were physically or mentally disabled.

University hospital in Uppsala, Sweden, Regional Oncological Centre

Participants were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.

Participants were stratified and randomized to one of four groups:  physical training (n = 53), information (n = 55), information and physical training (n = 52), and the control group (n = 51).

European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30)

Participants with metastases scored less than participants without metastases on the fatigue subscale of the EORTC QLQ-C30 at baseline and at 12 months. No significant differences were observed between the psychosocial rehabilitation groups when compared to the no intervention group.

The lack of effect on outcome measures may be due to the low power and complicated design. Heterogeneity of the sample, despite stratification, may have led to an unbalanced distribution of participant clinical and demographic characteristics in each treatment group.