The prostate gland located in the pelvic area surrounds the urethra. According to Dr. Peter Scardino, the prostate gland may double in size by middle age and grow up to 10 to 20 times its size in elderly men. Exercise including treadmill walking improves general health. In the March 10, 2009, issue of "Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases," researchers at Duke University recommend exercise for prostate cancer prevention, recovery from treatment and improving quality of life.
Prostate Problems
Prostate infection or inflammation causes pelvic-area pain, urgency or burning during urination. When the prostate gland enlarges during middle age, constriction around the urethra may interfere with urination, leading to urgency, slow or ineffective stream and need to urinate more often. Any of these symptoms along with blood in urine or sperm may signal prostate cancer, the uncontrolled growth of prostate cells with the ability to spread to other parts of the body. To determine diagnosis and treatment options, physicians use physical examination, a blood test for the level of Prostate Specific Antigen and biopsy.
Exercise Effects on Prostate
Though aerobic exercise lowers blood levels of sex steroids, research specific to exercise effects on the prostate is limited. In the March 10, 2009, issue of "Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases," researchers at Duke University report that walking 30 minutes six days per week along with following a vegan diet may decrease Prostate Specific Antigen and inhibit prostate cancer cell growth for small tumors. According to DukeHealth.org, researchers showed moderate-intensity exercise, including brisk walking for several hours every week, significantly lowers the risk for prostate cancer compared to sedentary men.
Treadmill Exercise
Safe exercise on a treadmill includes a 5-minute warm up and a lower intensity, 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise to increase the heart rate and breathing rate; and a cooling down by ending with stretching. Treadmill speed ranges accommodate walking and running with increased intensity of workout by increasing the grade. Watch for signs of overexercise, including feeling faint or nauseated, being unable to finish a workout, excess tiredness, joint pain and sleep disturbances. Discuss exercise with a physician before beginning a program to determine appropriate type and intensity.
Exercise and Prostate Surgery
Symptoms associated with prostate cancer treatment include fatigue, pain and reduced physical function as well as urinary problems. In the June 1, 2010, issue of "Canadian Urological Association Journal," researchers at the Prostate Center at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, report increased physical activity in the year before prostate surgery reduces post-surgery decline in quality-of-life factors and urinary symptoms. The researchers point to limitations in the study of small numbers of participants and possible bias toward patients who are already physically active.
Muscular Fitness
Hormone therapy suppresses testosterone needed for prostate cancer growth. Side effects associated with hormone therapy include decreased muscle mass and strength, which increases the risk of injury from falling. In the Oct. 14, 2008, issue of "Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases," researchers at Edith Cowan University in Australia showed hormone therapy reduced muscle strength and physical performance in walking activities.
References
- "Dr. Peter Scardino's Prostate Book"; Peter T. Scardino, M.D. and Judith Kelman; 2005
- "Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases"; Exercise Therapy Across the Prostate Cancer Continuum; J. Antonelli, S.J. Freedland and L.W. Jones; March 10, 2009
- DukeHealth.org: Exercise Associated with Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer, Less Aggressive Disease
- "Canadian Urological Association Journal"; Physical Activity and Quality of Life After Radical Prostatectomy; D. Santa Mina, A.G. Matthew and J. Trachtenberg; June 1, 2010
- "Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases"; Reduced Muscle Strength and Functional Performance in Men with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Androgen Suppression; D.A. Galvao et al; Oct. 14, 2008
- "Trials": Efficacy of 6 Month Dietary and Physical Activity Intervention Study Protocol
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