2026-09-26T05:04:30Zhttps://riubu.ubu.es/oai/request

oai:riubu.ubu.es:10259/121422026-09-25T00:05:29Zcom_10259_11209com_10259_5086com_10259_2604col_10259_11210

Exploring Sex Activity Impact on Biological Biomarkers and Athletic Parameters in Sexually and Physically Active Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials Fernández Lázaro, Diego Seco Calvo, Jesús Izquierdo, José María Mielgo Ayuso, Juan Roche, Enrique Santamaría, Gema Abstinence Hormones Perceptual parameters Biomarkers sexual activity Sports performance Systematic review Background: A sexually active lifestyle is generally associated with positive effects on physical condition and health. However, engaging in sexual activity prior to a sports competition could affect athletic performance. This systematic review examines the current literature on the impact of pre-exercise sexual activity on sports performance, with particular attention paid to its effects on physiological, hormonal, cognitive, and perceptual markers. Method: Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed original studies published within the last 25 years. Eligible studies were randomized or non-randomized controlled design and indexed on PubMed, Scopus, Dialnet, and Cochrane. Additional sources were consulted including a network diagram with Connected Papers®. Two methodological quality scales, McMaster University Occupational Therapy Evidence-Based Practice Research Group and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), were used. The study was registered in PROSPERO (#CRD42023426555). Results: A total of 244 records were identified through the search process, of which 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies involved 117 (115 men) physically and sexually active subjects including 29 elite top athletes. When comparing the sexual activity condition/group (SexG) to abstinence (AbsG), significant (p < 0.05) decreases were observed in average speed and maximum strength. In contrast, non-significant trends towards improvement (p > 0.05) were observed in exercise capacity, reaction time, and muscular endurance. No significant changes (p > 0.05) were found in physiological and hormonal biomarkers and fatigue perception. However, perceived exertion was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in SexG compared to AbsG. Conclusions: Current evidence does not conclusively support the influence of pre-exercise sexual activity on sports performance, or physiological and hormonal biomarkers. However, it could contribute to increased perception of exercise intensity. 2026-09-24T11:31:27Z 2026-09-24T11:31:27Z 2025-11 info:eu-repo/semantics/article https://hdl.handle.net/10259/12142 10.3390/physiologia5040045 2673-9488 eng Physiologia. 2025, V. 5, n. 4, art 45 https:// doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5040045 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess Atribución 4.0 Internacional MDPI