Pelvic Floor Muscles Training in Men Undergoing Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial

The pelvic floor disorders are a major problem in our current society with manifestations of micturition disorders, defecatory problems and sexual dysfunction. The pelvic floor muscles training arouses interest due the few studies on this subject. Studies are being conducted with emphasis on the post-prostatectomy urinary disorders, however, not associated with radiotherapy. The study of the effect of radiotherapy in these muscles is still uncertain. At right, we do not know if the effect of radiation can trigger important anatomical changes that could lead to pelvic floor disorders manifesting clinically as defecatory and urinary disorders. These issues motivate us to research, focusing on the evaluation of these muscles through magnetic nuclear resonance considering that radiation therapy has been increasingly used as a therapeutic option in the treatment of prostate cancer. The primary objective of this is to verify the effect of pelvic floor muscles training (PFMT) tract symptoms (LUTS), anorectal and sexual complaints in men with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with radiotherapy (RT). Secondly, the objective is to evaluate the effect of PFMT in its function and in the severity of urinary incontinence (UI) and evaluate the quality of life. The assessment of the changes occurred by the effect of radiation separately and jointly to the training of the pelvic floor muscles can help us to better understand some of the dysfunctions presented in this sample of patients as well as understanding the effect and the possible contribution of training of these muscles for treatment and/or prevention of these disorders.

Sex

Male

Minimum age

45 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Men aged equal or higher than 45 years-old with confirmed diagnosis of prostate cancer by biopsy and having clinical indication for radiotherapy who follow-up in the HCFMRP-USP;
* No age distinction of race, creed and education;
* Men with graduation of PFM function greater than or equal to grade 2 evaluated by anal digital palpation (Oxford Scale Modified);
* Men who voluntarily consent to participate in research.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Men with anatomical abnormalities in perineal region due sequelae of surgery, pathology, trauma or injury sites;
* Men with associated neurological pathologies;
* Indication for adjuvant or rescue RT (radical prostatectomy);
* Men with acquired immune deficiency syndrome;
* PFMT carried out previously;
* Men with cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators or other factors that preclude the application of review procedures established in this study;
* Men who have not completed proposed radiotherapy treatment;
* Men who do not accept to participate in this study.

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