The effect of meeting physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors on quality of life following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Recent literature has shown that preoperative physical activity (PA) can positively influence surgical outcomes. It is unknown whether the effect of meeting PA guidelines for cancer survivors can impact quality of life following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. METHODS: We reviewed our institutional database of prostate cancer outcomes and included patients that underwent radical prostatectomy and completed the Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), the Patient-Oriented Prostate Utility Scale (PORPUS), the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Participants were categorized as meeting or not meeting the American College of Sports Medicine physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors (150 min of moderate intensity or 75 min of vigorous intensity PA per week). Radical prostatectomy outcomes were measured preoperatively and at 6 and 26-weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: From June 2008 to August 2012, 509 men underwent curative, nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer and completed the GLTEQ, of whom 46% met the PA guidelines. Prior to surgery, men that met the PA guidelines reported higher quality of life (p < 0.001) and erectile function (p = 0.049) than men that did not meet the guidelines. Quality of life at all postoperative timepoints was higher for men that met the PA guidelines after adjusting for age, preoperative body mass index, and surgical approach (p = 0.02). Men that met the PA guidelines were 19% less likely to be incontinent at 6 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: PA volume may be a useful marker at predicting postoperative recovery of quality of life and urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Cancer survivors should be encouraged to meet PA guidelines prior to surgery in an effort to attenuate the decline in HRQOL and facilitate recovery.