Does timing of physical exercise after reconstructive prolapse surgery matter?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects many women and impacts quality of life. Evidence on physical activity in this population is inconsistent, particularly across the postoperative period.

To describe patterns of physical activity and evaluate their associations with symptoms and QOL before and after reconstructive prolapse surgery.

This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial used a descriptive and exploratory approach. A total of 466 patients were divided into two groups based on prolapse stage: stage II (n = 137) and stage III-IV (n = 329). Physical activity was measured using the metabolic equivalent task (MET). Secondary outcomes included the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ). The mixed model was used to analyze the MET, POP symptoms, and QoL at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months after surgery.

Regardless of prolapse stage, most patients were inactive at baseline (54.5%vs. 58.7%) and at 3 months (55.3%vs. 54.6%). By 12 months post-surgery, more patients became active (58.4%vs. 59.4%). No significant difference in MET was observed between groups over time (95% CI: [-219.9; 65.5]; p = 0.29). Similarly, no significant differences were found in symptoms and QoL (p > 0.05 for all comparisons).

Irrespective of prolapse stage, patients showed similar physical activity levels at baseline, 3- and 12-months after surgery. Although no inferences can be made regarding timing or effects of postoperative exercise, there were no differences in symptoms and QoL between the groups over the course of one year.