Recovery of overall exercise ability, quality of life, and continence after 12-week combined exercise intervention in elderly patients who underwent radical prostatectomy: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Objective: To examine the changes from a combined exercise intervention after radical prostatectomy (RP) in elderly patients with prostate cancer, because randomized controlled trials addressing exercise intervention after RP have been lacking.

Methods: From May 2009 to May 2010, all patients who underwent laparoscopic RP were assessed for eligibility. A total of 66 patients were randomized to an exercise or a control group. The exercise group received a combined exercise intervention (resistance, flexibility, and Kegel exercises) twice a week for 12 weeks, and the control group received only Kegel exercises. The primary outcome was physical function, and the secondary outcomes were continence status and quality of life after the exercise intervention.

Results: A total of 49 patients completed follow-up to the end of study. After the 12-week exercise intervention, except for grip strength, all physical functions were better in the exercise group than in the control group. The 24-hour pad test results (12.2 g in the exercise group, 46.2 g in the control group) and continence rate (73.1% in exercise group, 43.5% in the control group) recovered more promptly in the exercise group. On a questionnaire study using the International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form health survey, only the exercise group showed improvement at the last follow-up visit.

Conclusion: A 12-week combined exercise intervention after RP results in improvement of physical function, continence rate, and quality of life. These results could help with prompt recovery of daily activities.