Efeitos de um programa de pilates na função sexual e na função dos músculos do assoalho pélvico de mulheres jovens

Abstract

Introduction: Female sexual function involves different physiological and psychological aspects. Pelvic floor muscles, when strength and functional can positively impact female sexual function. Developed by Joseph Pilates, Pilates method it is recommended to global muscle strengthen and because of that may be useful to improve sexual function. Aim: To evaluate the impact of 6 week of training (12 sessions) in sexual function and pelvic floor muscle strength of sedentary women without sexual dysfunction. Material and Methods: This is an clinical trial in which twenty-five nulliparous young women without sexual complaints and pelvic floor dysfunction were included. Inclusion criteria were to be 18 years old or more, sexually active (at least one sexual intercourse in the last 4 weeks) and to be sedentary. Sexual function was evaluated by Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Pelvic floor muscle strength was evaluated by vaginal palpation measured by modified Oxford grading system and by means of manometry using Peritron manometerTM. Two voluntary successive contractions were held by 5 seconds with 10 seconds interval between them and the best contraction was used to statistical analysis. All above described evaluations were performed in the beginning and at the end of 6 weeks of intervention. Results: Twenty-five nulliparous women mean age 23,9 (± 2,4) and mean body mass index 21,6 (± 2,1) Kg/m2 completed the exercises program. There were statistically significant improvements in desire (0,6; p=0,006) and arousal (0,4; p=0,004) and in the total score of FSFI (2,2; p<0,001). However, no differences were found regarding to: lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, sexual pain and pelvic floor muscle strength. Conclusions: Women who practiced Pilates improved sexual desire and arousal, however, there were no improvements in pelvic floor muscle strength, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and sexual pain. Key words: Pilates, sexual function, pelvic floor muscles