Association of lower urinary tract symptoms and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in men aged 50 to 59 years: a case-control study

To determine the association of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), flexibility, physical activity level, and anthropometric variables.

A case-control study has been conducted in which LUTS was the outcome and VO2max, flexibility, physical activity level, and anthropometric variables the exposure variables. We evaluated 100 men aged between 50 and 59 years, assigning 49 to the case group and 51 to the control group. The patients underwent the following: physical activity level assessment using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; LUTS assessment using the International Prostate Symptom Score Questionnaire; anthropometric assessment measuring body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist circumference; VO2max assessment through the Polar Fitness Test; and flexibility assessment using the Sit and Reach test. Multivariable analysis using a logistic regression model was performed for the assessment of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

In bivariable analysis, a statistically significant association was identified for LUTS with physical activity level (OR = 0.375, 95% CI = 0.167-0.841, P = .02); with VO2max (OR = 0.206, 95% CI = 0.086-0.495, P <.001); and with flexibility (OR = 0.309, 95% CI = 0.130-0.337, P = .01). However, the multivariable analysis indicated that VO2max was the only statistically significant variable associated with LUTS (OR = 0.303, 95% CI = 0.105-0.875, P = .027).

In men aged between 50 and 59 years, an association between inadequate VO2max with LUTS was found.