Page 107 - HA Convention 2015

Service Priorities and Programmes Free Papers

SPP1.4 Patient Empowerment 10:45 Room 221

The Effect of Exercise Training for the Urinary Incontinence in Prostate Cancer Patients after Radical Monday, 18 May
Prostatectomy
Tsui YC, Phang YW, Wong NC
Physiotherapy Department, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong

Introduction

Urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy greatly influenced prostate cancer patients’ quality of life. It is therefore of
utmost importance to minimise the prevalence of urinary incontinence after this procedure. In Hong Kong, there is a lack of
establishment of specific structural exercise programme in clinical setting.

Objectives

(1) To establish a set of exercise specifically designed for prostate cancer patients; and (2) to evaluate the effects of the
exercise programme on improving urinary incontinence.

Methodology

The three sessions of the 45-minute structured programme offered to patients includes warm-up exercises, aerobic
exercises, resistance exercises, core muscle exercises, pelvic floor exercises and cool-down exercises. The programme was
supervised by physiotherapy exercise specialist. After that, patients were encouraged to perform taught home exercises
regularly for three to five times per week. Urinary symptoms were measured through International Prostate Symptom Score
(IPSS) and perception of urine loss questionnaire scored by a three-point Likert scale: 1=not at all problematic, 2=somewhat
problematic, 3=very problematic. Data were obtained at baseline and three months after the exercise programme.

Results

A total of 10 male patients within one year post radical prostatectomy were recruited by urology nurse specialist. The mean
baseline IPSS indicated that patients were moderate symptomatic. At three months, there was a significant improvement
from moderate to mild symptomatic (pre-IPSS: 12.4 vs. post-IPSS: 7) (p<0.05). Besides, urine loss reported as “not at all
problematic” increased from 30% to 70% after the programme; “somewhat problematic” decreased from 60% to 30%, and
“very problematic” decreased from 10% to 0% respectively.

Conclusion

Patients who performed specific designed exercise programme showed improvement in urinary symptoms and implied a
positive impact on psychological distress. We recommended that such intervention should be applied in routine practice for
patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. This exercise approach should further be considered in primary care setting so
as to enhance the primary care management of urinary incontinence.

HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONVENTION 2015

105