Exercise therapy in prehabilitation: Current findings in urology

Abstract

Background: Prehabilitation refers to interventions that take place before starting medical treatment. Prehabilitation exercise therapy aims to increase functional physical capacities to improve recovery and reduce side effects. Objectives: To present the evidence and potential of prehabilitation exercise therapy in urological oncology. Methods: Compilation and explanation of study results. Results: Studies are limited and primarily focused on prostate and bladder cancer. Current data show positive effects on physical functioning and cardiorespiratory capacity. The majority of prehabilitation studies in prostate cancer focus on specific goals of physical functioning, particularly maintenance and recovery of urinary continence with inconsistent results. Conclusions: There is preliminary evidence to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and overall physical functioning in urinary bladder and prostate cancer. Further in-depth research is needed to map the potential spectrum of prehabilitation exercise therapy in uro-oncology.