Physical Activity, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

• Published in: European urology Vol. 53; no. 6; pp. 1228 - 1235
• Main Authors: Parsons, J. Kellogg, Kashefi, Carol
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier B.V 01.06.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Biological and medical sciences; Exercise; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Lower urinary tract symptoms; Male; Male genital diseases; Medical sciences; Metabolic syndrome; Modifiable; Motor Activity; Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases; Physical activity; Prostatic Hyperplasia - epidemiology; Prostatism - epidemiology; Risk factor; Tumors; Tumors of the urinary system; Urinary tract. Prostate gland; Urology; Exercise; Physical activity; Risk factor; Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Metabolic syndrome; Lower urinary tract symptoms; Modifiable; Endocrinopathy; Physical exercise; Nephrology; Urinary system disease; Prostate disease; Metabolic diseases; Cardiovascular disease; Urinary tract disease; Epidemiology; Urology; Voiding dysfunction; Benign neoplasm; Male genital diseases
• ISSN: 0302-2838; 1873-7560
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2008.02.019

Abstract Background While some studies have indicated that physical activity may protect against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), others have not. Objective To evaluate the association of physical activity with BPH and LUTS. Design, Setting, and Participants Systematic review and meta-analysis using MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and abstracts from the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association. We selected observational studies that provided empirical data and analyzed abstracted data with random effects models. Measurements BPH, LUTS, and physical activity levels. Results and Limitations Eleven ( n = 43 083 men) studies met selection criteria. Eight studies observed inverse, 2 studies null, and 1 study equivocal associations of physical activity with BPH or LUTS. Eight studies ( n = 35 675) were eligible for pooled analyses. We stratified physical activity levels into light, moderate, and vigorous categories, with a sedentary category for reference. Compared to the sedentary group, the pooled odds ratios for BPH or LUTS were 0.70 (95% CI 0.44–1.13, p = 0.14), 0.74 (95% CI 0.60–0.92, p = 0.005), and 0.74 (95% CI 0.59–0.92, p = 0.006) for men engaging in light, moderate, and heavy physical activity, respectively. Conclusions Physical activity reduces the risks of BPH and LUTS. These findings are consistent with other studies demonstrating that the BPH/LUTS complex is associated with modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular disease and suggest that increased physical activity may prevent or attenuate these conditions.