"Sports Therapy" As an Intervention in The Treatment Of Erectile Dysfunction In Middle-Aged And Older Men

The present study aims to investigate the efficacy of sports therapy as an intervention to treat erectile dysfunction in middle-aged and older men. Specifically, the research explores how regular exercise, particularly aerobic sports such as tennis and aerobic boxing, influences erectile function, reduces performance anxiety and improves self-esteem. Understanding the impact of physical activity on sexual and psychological health may contribute to the development of effective complementary therapeutic strategies, offering a viable alternative to drug treatments and conventional interventions. Participants: 10 men over 50 years of age (M = 56.8) participated in the study, all diagnosed with moderate to severe erectile dysfunction. Most of the participants worked in corporate fields, such as design, computer science and finance-accounting, and did not have a history of practicing performance sports. All participants were from urban areas and were not taking medication for erectile dysfunction. Participants were assessed using standardized questionnaires to measure erectile function, anxiety level and self-esteem Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). These instruments were applied before and after the sports therapy intervention to analyze the impact of exercise on participants' erectile dysfunction and emotional state. Data analysis showed significant relationships between sports therapy, erectile function and anxiety levels. Participants who completed the exercise program experienced a significant improvement in erectile function, as measured by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and a reduction in performance anxiety, as assessed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). There was also an increase in self-esteem and overall satisfaction with sex life. Comparative pre- and post-intervention analysis showed that exercise had a positive impact on participants' sexual and emotional health, confirming the hypothesis that sports therapy may be an effective intervention for treating erectile dysfunction. Results confirm the initial hypothesis, demonstrating that sports therapy has a positive impact on erectile function, reducing performance anxiety and improving self-esteem. Regular exercise, particularly aerobic sports such as tennis and aerobic boxing, has been shown to be effective in improving erectile dysfunction in middle-aged and older men. Sports therapy can thus be considered a viable and complementary alternative to traditional treatments, helping to optimize sexual health and emotional well-being.