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.