Changes in physical activity after abdominal sacrocolpopexy for advanced pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to describe changes in physical activity 1 year after sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort of 301 randomized trial participants.

RESULTS

Compared with baseline, 1 year after surgery, 36% increased, 18% decreased, and 47% did not change preoperative exercise intensity level. In contrast, women were more likely to reduce (24%) than increase (11%) the frequency of major effort activities, like heavy lifting. Of 99 women who reported preoperatively that prolapse interfered substantially with doing exercise or recreation, house/yard work, or work outside the home, 83 (84%) reported no substantial interference 1 year later. After surgery, women reporting substantial interference from prolapse or treatment had similar rates of interval treatment for stress incontinence or prolapse as women not reporting substantial interference.

CONCLUSION

After sacrocolpopexy, one third of women increased exercise intensity, few increased major effort activities, and most reported that prolapse no longer interfered with activities.