Effect of Swimming and Running on Seminal Quality

Objective: To verify the effect of the physical activity the swimming and of the running, on a moderate form, on the seminal quality. Methods: A cross-sectional study performed with healthy men practicing moderate physical activity. The seminal parameters of 39 men between the ages of 23 and 37 years were evaluated. The participants in this study belonged to three groups: the swimming group (G1), the running group (G2), and the control group (G3). The level of physical activity was evaluated by calculating the metabolic equivalents (METs), using the Compendium of Physical Activities (CPA) to identify the intensities. Seminal parameters of volume, concentration/ml, total concentration, progressive motility, total motility, and sperm morphology were evaluated according to the normal values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) (2010). The level of significance was p < 0.05. Results: The results did not show statistical differences between groups regarding semen volume, concentration/ml, total concentration, progressive motility and total motility. On the other hand, there is a statistical difference between the groups for sperm morphology. Besides, sperm morphology was below the 4% threshold established by WHO for the swimming and running group. Conclusion: We noticed that there are no differences in the seminal parameters of men who practice different sports modalities at a moderate level, however sperm morphology can be impaired with the practice of moderate physical activity.