Evaluation of pedometer use in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the effect of a pedometer use in men aged between 50 and 59 years presenting lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods: A single-center, not blind clinical trial with two parallel groups and equal randomization was performed with 38 men aged 50-59 years with LUTS. All patients received guidance and encouragement to physical activity practice. Only the intervention group received a Pedometer with a goal of 10,000 steps/day. After a period of 12 weeks, the groups were compared through the following variables: number of steps/day, IPSS score, flexibility, anthropometric values and Maximum Oxygen Consumption (VO2max).

Results: The number of steps per day in the intervention group was 9753 ± 1549 compared to 6212 ± 1152 in the control group (p = 0.004). Pedometer use efficacy was a 50% risk reduction of not achieve the goal of 10,000 steps per day. Regarding IPSS score, the intervention group achieved lower scores (6.95 ± 2.85 vs. 10.16 ± 3.23, p = 0.007). Pedometer use efficacy was a 94% risk reduction of not achieve more than 30% reduction in IPSS score. In VO2max, the intervention group performed better than the control group (34.84 ± 3.25 vs. 32.58 ± 6.89; p = 0.011). There was no difference in flexibility and anthropometric values between the groups.

Conclusions: The use of pedometer in LUTS patients provided an increase in the number of steps/day, a decrease in LUTS score and an improvement in VO2max measure.

Clinical trial registration: Trial url: www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4vynk5/ . Register Number: RBR-4vynk5 .

Keywords: Clinical trial; Exercise; Lower urinary tract symptoms; Pedometer; Urology.