Effect of aerobic exercise on erectile function: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 37814532 · doi:10.1093/jsxmed/qdad130
What was done
A systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise versus non-exercising controls on erectile function. Outcomes were measured using the International Index of Erectile Function Erectile Function domain (IIEF-EF, scored 6 to 30). Meta-regression was performed to evaluate the association of moderator variables on the meta-analysis results.
What was found
Across 11 randomized controlled trials, aerobic exercise significantly improved IIEF-EF scores compared with controls, with a mean difference of 2.8 points (95% CI, 1.7-3.9; P < .001) and moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 53%). Greater improvements were observed in men with lower baseline scores: 2.3, 3.3, and 4.9 points for mild, moderate, and severe erectile dysfunction, respectively (P = .02). Meta-analysis results were not influenced by publication bias or individual study effects.
Why it matters
This meta-analysis provides Level 1 evidence supporting regular aerobic exercise as a low-risk, nonpharmacological intervention for erectile dysfunction, especially for men with more severe baseline impairment.
Limits
The total number of individual participants was not reported in the abstract. Moderate heterogeneity was present across trials (I2 = 53%), and the included studies evaluated diverse clinical groups, which may complicate interpretation for specific patient subgroups. Specific exercise modalities, durations, and intensities were not detailed in the abstract.
Cited by
- context Engaging in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise per week provides improvements in erectile function scores comparable to taking Viagra.