The Effect of Body Practices and Physical Exercise on Sexual Function of Menopausal Women. A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective

To review randomized clinical trials on Body Practices (BP) and Physical Exercise (PE) in menopausal women and describe their effect on sexual function.

Methods

Searches carried out electronically in five databases, with a temporal criterion of 10 years of publication, from August to September 2022. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane collaboration scale and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scale score.

Results

The majority of the studies presented a “'low” or “'uncertain” risk of bias. The instruments for assessing sexual function were heterogeneous. Interventions included mindfulness, relaxation hypnosis, Kegel exercises, yoga, and aerobic exercise, and generally lasted 12 weeks. Seven studies were included, of which six made up the meta-analysis, showing high heterogeneity (I² = 94.2%; p < 0.0001). The analysis of subgroups with BP showed high heterogeneity (I² = 94.2%; p < 0.01); interventions with PE presented more favorable results (I² = 0%; 0; p = 0.90); the sexual function instruments showed high heterogeneity (I² = 90%; p < 0.01); and instruments of quality of life and menopausal symptoms with domains of sexual function presented favorable results for BP and PE (I² = 0%; p = 0.63). The funnel chart presents the studies in a dispersed manner, which implies publication bias.

Conclusions

Interventions with PE proved to be more efficient compared to BP, however, there are a low number of studies with PE, and those found are limited to aerobic training, without sufficient data on intensity, volume, and frequency. Further studies with PE are needed for the treatment of sexual function symptoms in order to more comprehensively describe their effect.

Keywords:

• Complementary therapies
• menopause symptoms
• sexual behavior
• sexual health
• women’s health

Acknowledgments

We wish to posthumously thank the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level or Education Personnel (CAPES), and Postgraduate Monitoring Scholarship Program at the State University of Santa Catarina (PROMOP/UDESC), for finance in party this study.

Author contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the study, or data acquisition, or data analysis and interpretation, drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content, and approval of the version to be published and all subsequent versions. DYF and JBBM conducted the conception and design of the study, or acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data. DYF, JBBM, JAM, and AGL conducted drafting the article and revising it critically for important intellectual content. DYF, JBBM, JAM, AGL, and ACAG conducted the final approval of the version to be submitted.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level or Education Personnel (CAPES) [Finance Code 001], Postgraduate Monitoring Scholarship Program at the State University of Santa Catarina (PROMOP/UDESC).