Sitting time, physical activity and the risk of lower urinary tract symptoms: a cohort study

To examine the association of sitting time and physical activity level with the incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a large sample of Korean men.

A cohort study was performed in 69 795 Korean men, free of LUTS at baseline, who were followed up annually or biennially for a mean of 2.6 years. Physical activity level and sitting time were assessed using the validated Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. LUTS were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and clinically significant LUTS were defined as an IPSS score ≥8.

Over 175 810.4 person-years, 9 217 people developed significant LUTS (incidence rate, 39.0 per 1 000 person-years). In a multivariable-adjusted model, both low physical activity level and prolonged sitting time were independently associated with the incidence of LUTS. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for incident LUTS comparing minimally active and health-enhancing physically active groups vs the inactive group were 0.94 (95% CI 0.89-0.99) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.87-0.99), respectively (P for trend 0.011). The hazard ratios (95% CIs) for LUTS comparing 5-9 and ≥10 h/day sitting time vs <5 h/day were 1.08 (95% CI 1.00-1.24) and 1.15 (95% CI 1.06-1.24), respectively (P for trend <0.001).

Prolonged sitting time and low physical activity levels were positively associated with the development of LUTS in a large sample of middle-aged Korean men. This result supports the importance of both reducing sitting time and promoting physical activity for preventing LUTS.