A systematic review of supervised comprehensive functional physiotherapy after radical prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy (RP) can generate multidimensional physiological changes, like decrease in physical and emotional functioning, as well as Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). However, only pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is commonly recommended as conservative treatment after RP. More comprehensive interventions than only PFMT, such as physiotherapy promoting general coordination, flexibility, strength, endurance, fitness and functional capacity may seem more relevant and patient-centered.

Our aim was to evaluate whether a more Comprehensive Functional Physical Therapy (CFPT) than PFMT alone, focused on lower limb and lumbo-pelvic exercises, would improve physical capacities and functions (including urinary continence (UI)), emotional functions and HRQoL in patients after RP.

A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA reporting guidelines. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases from inception to January 2022. The PICO approach was used to determine the eligibility criteria. According to the quality of selected studies, levels of evidence were given.

Eight clinical trials met the eligibility criteria. Regarding UI, all the studies reported positive outcomes for CFPT between pre- and post-physiotherapy (P<0.05). The selected studies reported positive outcomes for physical capacities as well as for physical and emotional functioning, and for HRQoL (P<0.05).

Current literature indicates that CFPT was shown to be safe, non-invasive, and particularly effective in terms of UI recovery. CFPT could result in more positive outcomes, including physical capacities, physical and emotional functioning and HRQoL, than PFMT alone. Further standardized, physiotherapist-guided and well-designed clinical trials conducted by experienced multidisciplinary clinicians are still called for.