Physical activity, fatigue, kinesiophobia and quality of life: Comparative study of prostate cancer survivors with healthy controls

Objectives To determine the distribution of prostate cancer (PCa) patients between physical activity and kinesiophobia, fatigue and quality of life, and to what extent PCa persists compared to healthy males. Methods Total of 118 males participated in the study. These participants were allocated into two groups: PCa group (n:59) and control group (n:59). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form was used to assess physical activity levels, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Questionnaire (FACIT-F) was used for measuring fatigue, kinesiophobia was evaluated with the Kinesiophobia Causes Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Prostate Version questionnaire (FACT-P) was used to assess quality of life. Results PCa had significantly lower scores in moderate activity (p=0.005) and total physical activity (p=0.010) compared with the control. Scores for kinesiophobia in both biological (p=0.045) and psychological subparameters (p=0.001), as well as the total kinesiophobia score (p=0.003), were higher in PCa. The FACIT-F (p<0.001) and total FACT-P (p<0.001) score were significantly lower in PCa than the control. Conclusion Kinesiophobia in PCa is significantly influenced by both biological and psychological factors. Kinesiophobia negatively affects patients' functional status and overall quality of life. Their well-being is shaped not only by their physical and emotional conditions but also by the quality of their family relationships. This multifaceted impact highlights the complex interaction between physical activity, functional abilities, emotional health and social dynamics in PCa. In addition to routine treatments for PCa patients, the development and implementation of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme may lead to significant improvements in their quality of life.