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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Michael Nesbitt for his assistance in data extraction. DSM is funded for post-doctoral research through the Prostate Center at the Princess Margaret Cancer Center.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kinesiology Program, The University of Guelph-Humber, Room GH-308-G, 207 Humber College Boulevard, Toronto, ON, Canada, M9W 5L7

    Daniel Santa Mina & Nora Ahmad

  2. The Prostate Centre, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Daniel Santa Mina, Andrew G. Matthew, Robin Kalnin, Uri Lindner & John Trachtenberg

  3. School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Room 360 Stong College 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, Canada, M3J 1P3

    Crissa L. Guglietti

  4. University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Shabbir M. H. Alibhai, Andrew G. Matthew & John Trachtenberg

  5. Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Rm 14EB214, 200 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON, Canada

    Shabbir M. H. Alibhai

  6. Rm 3-130, 610 University Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada

    Andrew G. Matthew & Robin Kalnin

  7. Rm 3-208, 610 University Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada

    Uri Lindner & John Trachtenberg

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  1. Daniel Santa Mina
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Correspondence to Daniel Santa Mina.

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Santa Mina, D., Guglietti, C.L., Alibhai, S.M.H. et al. The effect of meeting physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors on quality of life following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. J Cancer Surviv 8, 190–198 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-013-0329-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-013-0329-z

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