Aerobic Recovery after Radical Prostatectomy: A Case Study

Abstract

Purpose This case study examined the recovery after radical prostatectomy (RP) of an endurance-trained 65-yr-old man. Methods A maximal incremental exercise test and a 1-h steady-state test were performed just before and 3 months after robotic RP to determine maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) and other cardiorespiratory variables. The patient recorded his training as he prepared for an endurance event that was to occur 3 months after RP, the Norwegian Foot March, a 30-km road march carrying 11.4 kg. Results In the month before RP, the patient performed 2 to 3 h of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, fast walking carrying an 11.4-kg pack, with the longest individual session being a 16-km road march. Just before surgery, V˙O2max was 36.7 mL·min−1·kg−1, HR during 30 min at 7.2 km·h−1 and 0% grade was 77% of HR reserve (HRR), and during 30 min at 5.3 km·h−1 and 10% grade was 92% HRR. On postsurgery day 44, he did a 19-km road march carrying 11.4 kg, exceeding the training level of the month presurgery. Three months postsurgery, V˙O2max was 42.7 mL·min−1·kg−1, and HR during the flat and uphill 30-min sessions at the same absolute intensity as presurgery were 70% and 83% HRR, respectively. He completed the Norwegian Foot March 93 d postsurgery in 4:24:37, with an average HR of 72% HRR. Conclusions This case study demonstrates that an aerobically trained prostate cancer patient can return to high-level aerobic training in as little as 7 wk post-RP, and even exceed presurgery fitness. This finding has implications for prognosis given the beneficial effect of vigorous-intensity exercise on prostate cancer progression.

Enhancement by Diet and Aerobic Exercise in Professional Athletes

“…Indicators such as waist circumference, weight ratio, and body mass index also tended to decrease significantly. 11 There was data statistics and t-tests. All measurements are expressed as mean ± standard deviation.…”