Association between physical activity levels and lower urinary tract symptoms: a cohort study in 20,732 Brazilian men

■ Any physical activity level decreased the odds of lower urinary tract symptoms.
■ Aging and the occurrence of depression, erectile dysfunction, and higher total prostate-specific antigens were associated with higher odds of lower urinary tract symptoms.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the association between physical activity levels and lower urinary tract symptoms in 20,732 Brazilian men.

Methods:

This cohort study included20,732 men of ≥40 years of age, who participated in health screening between January 2008 and December 2018. Standardized health data (anthropometric, laboratory, clinical, and lifestyle data) were collected. A logistic regression model was used to examine associations based on the occurrence of lower urinary tract symptoms.

Results:

Depressive symptoms (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), erectile dysfunction (p<0.001), and total prostate-specific antigens (p<0.001) were associated with higher odds of lower urinary tract symptoms in men, after adjusting the other factors. However, physical activity levels were associated with lower odds of developing lower urinary tract symptoms (low active, p<0.001; active, p=0.002; and high active, p=0.005).