Participating in Tai Chi to Reduce Anxiety and Keep up Physical Function

The intervention arm will be oriented to a WaQi (youthful vitality) program 8 weeks prior to their scheduled surgery date. The WaQi program uses a Tai Chi curriculum previously successfully implemented in older adults, and at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). It has an online teaching module and is uniquely suited for our study population. The program requires no difficult movement transitions, but still contains all essential parts including meditation. The WaQi program has less psychological stress and physical challenge than other exercise activities because it can be performed either sitting or standing. Intervention participants will also receive printed materials from Prostate Cancer Canada about prostate cancer management. These materials include information about how to cope with prostate cancer including pelvic floor exercise, physical activity, healthy eating, and mental wellbeing.

Control arm participants will receive printed materials identical to intervention arm participants with general information on a healthy lifestyle. The control arm will receive an 8-week online Tai Chi teaching module subscription at the end of the study.