Evaluation of pedometer use in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized clinical trial

Purpose To assess the effect of a pedometer use in men aged between 50 and 59 years presenting lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods A single-center, not blind clinical trial with two parallel groups and equal randomization was performed with 38 men aged 50–59 years with LUTS. All patients received guidance and encouragement to physical activity practice. Only the intervention group received a Pedometer with a goal of 10,000 steps/day. After a period of 12 weeks, the groups were compared through the following variables: number of steps/day, IPSS score, flexibility, anthropometric values and Maximum Oxygen Consumption (VO2max). Results The number of steps per day in the intervention group was 9753 ± 1549 compared to 6212 ± 1152 in the control group ( p = 0.004). Pedometer use efficacy was a 50% risk reduction of not achieve the goal of 10,000 steps per day. Regarding IPSS score, the intervention group achieved lower scores (6.95 ± 2.85 vs. 10.16 ± 3.23, p = 0.007). Pedometer use efficacy was a 94% risk reduction of not achieve more than 30% reduction in IPSS score. In VO2max, the intervention group performed better than the control group (34.84 ± 3.25 vs. 32.58 ± 6.89; p = 0.011). There was no difference in flexibility and anthropometric values between the groups. Conclusions The use of pedometer in LUTS patients provided an increase in the number of steps/day, a decrease in LUTS score and an improvement in VO2max measure. Clinical Trial Registration Trial url: www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4vynk5/ . Register Number: RBR-4vynk5 .