Materials and Methods: All of the subjects were elderly males who were diagnosed with T2 prostate cancer. After laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, subjects were recruited based on the surgeon's recommendations and finally 9 patients were included. The combined exercise was composed of resistance exercise, pelvic flexibility exercise and Kegel exercise. These exercises were mainly performed by sports experts with the use of a ball and an elastic band. Following a 12-week exercise intervention, the physical functions were assessed based on functional fitness, flexibility and balance function. The body composition was also measured using a body composition analyzer(Inbody 720, Biospace Co. Korea). Urinary incontinence and voiding symptoms were evaluated using a pad test and an ICIQ questionnaire.

Results: After a 12-week exercise intervention, physical fitness showed a significant increase in dominant grip strength, sit-and-reach, chair stand, and sit-ups, except body composition. The body sway test for balance ability showed a significant improvement, as well as urinary incontinence. No adverse events occurred in any patients.

Conclusions: In current preliminary study, the combined exercise intervention after radical prostatectomy, may help improve physical fitness, balance, and hastening the return to continence. The findings support the safety and importance for a clinical trial of exercises after prostate cancer surgery. Further controlled trials are warranted to demonstrate the efficacy of an exercise intervention in elderly patients following radical prostatectomy. (Korean J Urol Oncol 2011;9:9-16)