Scientists from the Swedish State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport found that increased cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Research results published In British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM).
57,652 men participated in the study. Scientists collected data on the volunteers’ physical activity levels, lifestyles, health conditions, body weights and heights. Subjects were also asked to complete two cardiorespiratory tests using an exercise bike.
Cardiorespiratory testing is one of the methods for diagnosing respiratory and cardiovascular system disorders based on gas analysis of exhaled air during exercise. This allows for the most complete and objective assessment of the responses of a number of body systems to stress and to identify the pathophysiological cause of physical performance limitation in the presence of pathology. These trials were conducted annually, with a follow-up phase lasting approximately seven years.
During this time, 592 men (1% of total participants) developed prostate cancer. Scientists calculated that an annual percentage increase in cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a 2% reduction in prostate cancer risk. It was also stated that men whose physical fitness increased by 3% or more per year were 35% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those whose cardiorespiratory fitness decreased.
The authors of the study recommended that men exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle to increase their physical fitness levels and reduce the risk of developing this cancer.
Previously was named Prostate cancer, which does not always need to be treated.